Module VIII

Hello Everyone, well this week the topics I came into contact with through assignments were universal precautions as well as the importance of ethical health care executives. The discussion on posting discussed if health care staff should be made aware of patients that are diagnosed with HIV and TB. My first thought was yes since not everyone can be perfect at all times with universal precaution and it would ensure that everyone took that extra step. Also, if they come in direct contact don't they have the need to know? Even though as a staff member I would probably like it looking at it subjectively I realize that it really is not good for the organization as a whole. Like with many things if you lighten up on some things it may reflect the organizations views on other things. Protected health information is really going to be a priority especially in the future. As technology advances and persons find new ways for identity theft, medical identity theft and fraud hospitals cannot afford to be lackadaisical about anything. What really made me change my mind is that many HIV infected patients do not know and have not been tested yet. If staff relied on medical charts to warn each other to take precaution they would be putting themselves at major risk.

This week the topic of global warming and industries contributing to reduce their impact environmentally came up with various fundraising concerts. Is the health care industry really putting this as a priority? Are professionals really putting in effort to find ways to lessen their consumption? Most health care executives would state that there simply is not the money. However, often the biggest impact can be found from the smallest of activities. Environmentalists always advocates the impact of small changes in the daily routines of individual citizens to positively impact the environment. Are health care companies advocating the same idea among their facilities?

Finally, I do agree with the text that the ethics of a manager plays a great role often sometimes in his or her efficiency and efficacy. I think that staff often take cues from manager whether by the tone of his or her voice or through actions on whether to take certain policy seriously. Accordingly, impairment of a manager can almost bankrupt any trust or respect the manager might have gained. On another note, in terms of what attributes makes good leaders, managers in my facility often say that the best leaders are good readers. This means that those who lead well are often the most familiar with current events, theories and are self motivated to keep their devotion to ehtics strong.