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26Street Drugs…continued from page 25ual desire. This is followed by the“crash” in which agitation and paranoiaare common. These symptoms are oftentreated with other drugs by the user.Serious negative effects of cocaine andmethamphetamine addiction includeacute physical and lifestyle dangers.Physiological effects like increased bloodpressure and heart rate sometimes resultin dysrhythmias and sudden cardiacdeath. Decreased appetite leads to malnutritionand increased susceptibility to disease.Local effects develop from snortingand “crack lung” is developed fromsmoking. There are acute effects on thedeveloping fetus. This addiction is verydifficult to manage.Dr. Cook’s advice to the health-careworker was to be aware of the effects ofdrug addiction and “don’t just treat thephysical symptoms”. With stimulants, headvised to ensure support personnel areavailable. The paranoia often experiencedby addicts is real and may result inrisk to health-care personnel. People whoare hallucinating are potentially dangerousand often frightened. They requirereassurance, comfort and possiblydiazepam.While brief interventions work, there aremany routes to recovery for drug addicts.Recovery rates for any one interventionare low, but many do ultimately quit.Keep in mind that even cigarette smokerstake an average of three attempts beforethey finally stop smoking. AADAC andother 12-step programs are effective, andthere are numerous programs in Albertafor specific addictions. While moralizingtypically does not work, addicts are peoplewho need safety and support. Addictsneed to believe that change is possible.The health-care worker who can supportthat kind of change can be a key piece inthe road to recovery.(adapted from a presentation given at theCLPNA 2007 Spring Conference onApril 20, 2007)CLPNA thanks Dr. David Cook for soeagerly sharing this information with ourdelegates at the Conference. Dr. Cookfrequently presents in the community andhas a presentation style that is engagingto the young and old.LPN Preceptors:Essential Student MentorsThe following article describes the preceptor trainingprogram offered through Norquest College.During the final semester of the Practical Nurse Program each student isrequired to complete a seven-week preceptor-led clinical placement. Duringthis time a Licensed Practical Nurse (the preceptor) mentors the student.The goal of this experience is for the student to work towards independence andgain confidence preparing for entrance into the workforce. Students observe thepreceptor’s practice, how they communicate with others, and use these examplesin their own practice. To support preceptors, NorQuest College has been providing“Preceptor Workshops” at no cost to the participants. The Clinical PlacementTeam facilitates these one-day workshops.Effective and efficient communication is an important component in the preceptorrole. Therefore, communication styles are reviewed and practiced during the workshop.An overview of different learning styles is presented. Participants discuss theimplications of preceptoring students with learning styles different than their own.Various methods of problem solving are discussed. Case scenarios have been developedbased on common real-life student – preceptor events that have happenedwith NorQuest students. These situations are discussed in small groups prior tothe participants coming together to share how they would resolve similar situationsshould they arise. Feedback from LPNs who have attended indicate they foundthese sessions enlightening and a valuable tool for dealing with the students,co-workers, as well as in their personal lives.These workshops are a great opportunity for the Clinical Placement Team to developrelationships with current/prospective preceptors. The team is available as asupport and resource for preceptors and students 24/7. Communication betweenthe preceptor, the healthcare agency and NorQuest is greatly enhanced once a preceptorhas attended a workshop. The workshop includes an overview of the newpractical nurse diploma program and a tour of the present learning environmentSome recent comments from participants include:• I liked the variety of teaching methods (lecture, written, discussion,role playing and interaction).• The course was very professional. The presentation was clear and easyto understand.• Suggested conflict resolution tools were great.• I liked the personal stories – it made it relevant to me.• Humor was appreciated.NorQuest views preceptors as an integral part of the Practical Nurse Program, andrecognizes they devote a great deal of time and effort mentoring our students. Theknowledge the student gain from the preceptor remains with them throughout theircareers. NorQuest enjoys the opportunity to provide these interactive, educationalworkshops, as a way of giving back.NorQuest College offers several preceptor workshops throughout the year.Interested LPNs can directly contact the Clinical Placement Team at 780-644-6329to register.Article submitted by NorQuest College.
27Career Designs Inc.Private Vocational SchoolCERTIFICATION AS AFOOT CARE SPECIALISTVON FOOTCARE WORKSHOPSFOR RNs AND LPNsGood footcare is essential in the general population, andin the elderly and disabled may make the differencebetween activity and inactivity.This course covers anatomy and physiology, deformitiesof the foot, degenerative foot changes assessment andclient education. There is a supervised practical componenton both afternoons during which participants willlearn to care for “problems” such as ingrown nails, fungalnails, thickened nails, ram’s horn nails, hammer toes, etc.For further information about upcoming workshops,please call 780-466-0293 or on the internet atwww.von.ca/edmonton.Class size is limited.NB: Participants in the Footcare Workshops will practice oneach other on the first afternoon. Please leave toenails, cornsandcalluses unattended in order to provide good practicalexperience.VON ADVANCED ONE-DAYFOOTCARE COURSEThis one-day workshop is planned for RNs and LPNswho have already taken the two-day basic VON footcarecourse or the equivalent. It will cover padding techniquesfor various foot problems and the use of the Dremel.Topics will include the appropriate use of elastinet, fleecyweb, moleskin, semi-compressed felt and swanfoam.There will be a segment on use of the Dremel tool as wellthere will be a review of some ready-made padding productscurrently on the market. A large segment of thiscourse consists of hands-on experience.For further information about upcoming workshops,please call 780-466-0293 or on the internet atwww.von.ca/edmonton. Class size is limited.NB: Participants in the Advanced Footcare Workshop willpractice on each other. Please dress in a comfortablemanner.COURSE REGISTRATION: Register in person or by mailwith a cheque or money order, Visa or MasterCard to theaddress below three weeks prior to the course.VICTORIAN ORDER OF NURSES#100, 4936 – 87 StreetEdmonton, AB T6E 5W3PHONE: 1-780-466-0293 FAX: 1-780-463-5629WEBSITE: www.von.ca/edmontonWe are all aware that the feet have been neglected for far too long.Type of ambulation, disease process and the biomechanics of thepatient/client will affect the condition of the feet. Proper foot care,although often overlooked, is essential to good health. The knowledgeand care requirements in this area are significant in assessing the conditionof the feet, preventing injury and infection, promoting independence,and a sense of well being. There is a critical shortage of caregivers who can perform extensive foot care services, care that goesbeyond just cutting a patient’s nails. Your successful completion ofPodology I and Podology II will result in a certificate as a CertifiedPodologist.Podology ICurriculum covers thefollowing:• Universal precautions, properhand washing• Sanitation, disinfection andsterilization• Terminology• Basic anatomy of the foot,skin and nails• Related disorders andtreatments• Bacteria, viruses and fungiand related infections• Body Systems• Disease process(specificallydiabetes)and the foot• Instruments and tools• Professional productknowledge• Patient/client consultation• Pedicure• Half leg massage• DocumentationPodology IICurriculum covers thefollowing:• Review of sanitation,disinfection and sterilization• Terminology• Bones, muscles, ligaments andtendons of the foot• Arches of the foot• Body Alignment• Range of Motion as it relatesto the foot• Biomechanics• Disorders, diseases andtreatments of the foot• Nervous, circulatory,peripheral and lymphaticsystems• Systemic diseases that affectthe foot• Implications of Diabetes• Structural disorders• Assessment of the foot• Wart treatments• Training on use of electricdrills• Practical application• Written Exam• Clinical EvaluationFor further information or to register for the courseplease contact Career Designs – Private Vocational School at(403) 777-2430 or toll free @1-888-853-2768.You can also email us at healthcw@telusplanet.net.
Page 1 and 2: VOLUME 21 ISSUE 2 • SUMMER 2007NE
Page 3 and 4: 3ALBERTAHEALTH AND WELLNESSMessage
Page 5 and 6: 5for ensuring we are educating adeq
Page 8 and 9: 8THE CANADIAN NURSES PORTALWhat is
Page 10 and 11: 10Improving Albertans’ quality of
Page 12 and 13: 12FFacesFrom theFront LinesRURAL NU
Page 14 and 15: 142007 CLPNASPRING CONFERENCE HIGHL
Page 16 and 17: 16OUR SPONSORSDIAMONDBRONZECongratu
Page 18 and 19: 18Annual Awards…continued from pa
Page 20: 20Knowing Your Healthcare TeamIn an
Page 24 and 25: 24SPHERESimulated Patient Health En
Page 28: 28$100,000 inEducation GrantsStill

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