Speech is the production of sounds for the purpose of communication. It involves the use of the lips, tongue, teeth, palate, vocal cords, and lungs. Speech language pathology deals with problems with communication and conditions that make it difficult for a person to swallow. When one engages in speech pathology therapy, they will learn techniques and exercises to improve verbal communication.

The following outlines what one can expect when attending a speech pathologist appointment:

The first step is for a Speech Pathologist to acquire an assessment of the patient. This will include taking a patient’s medical history to get an accurate account of the nature of the speech problem. The speech pathologist will also observe the patient to get a sense of the problem. There may also be some simple tests given to the patient. The assessment appointment can take anywhere from 1- 2 takes hours. If it is a child that is being assessed, the parents will be actively involved in the assessment process.

Depending on the communication or swallowing problem, tests can include: repeating sounds and sentences for recording, taking an x-ray of the side of the palate, using a scope with a light to enter the nostril for visual assessment.

Once the assessment has been completed, the speech language pathologist will write a report based on the findings of the assessment. If required, the report can be given to other health professionals, parents, and teachers.

With a child, speech language assessment can involve playing with the child and asking parents a number of questions. The speech pathologist will assess how the child behaves and interacts with him or her. Other tests for a child can include showing the child toys and pictures and asking questions to evaluate the child’s responses. There may possibly be more than one assessment appointment for a child depending on the complexity of the problem.

After the assessment, the speech language therapist will tell you what he or she recommends as a course of treatment. This can include a therapeutic treatment plan, or a referral to a specialist such as a hearing specialist. Regular therapy can be a weekly session. A therapy program will be implemented that focuses on the patient’s problem. The purpose of therapy is to improve communication. There may also be at-home therapy exercises one can use when not at a therapy session. The therapist will record the patients progress and make adjustments where necessary. The scheduled appointments are usually once a week for an hour.

Speech language therapy is the treatment of a speech disorder such as problems with the production of sounds, understanding others when they communicate, or problems putting words together properly when one communicates. In Canada and the United States, a Master’s university degree level is the accepted standard of education. Many speech language therapists work in such areas as child language, learning disabilities, developmental delays, autism, enunciation, fluency, voice, swallowing, dementia, strokes, and brain injury. Assessment of the patient is essential to recovery. Speech Pathologists play an important role in helping patients overcome their speech language problems.

Nurses have always played a vital role in the health care industry. They spend their lives caring for people who are afflicted with illnesses and injuries. Two types of nurses that are highly respected members of the medical community are Registered Nurses (RN) and Nurse Practitioners. (NP) There are a number of differences between a Registered Nurse and Nurse Practitioner.

Registered Nurse (RN)

A Registered Nurse is a licensed medical professional who has completed a four-year nursing degree from a reputable nursing school. These nurses provide all types of nursing care to their patients and act as health advocates for the patient. As well, they evaluate, plan, and implement nursing care treatment for the sick and injured in conjunction with physicians and other health care providers. Registered nurses carry out a number of medical tasks such as: explaining and educating patients about their medical conditions, dispensing treatments such as medications and fluids, performing selected medical procedures, monitoring a patient’s vital signs, advising and supporting patients, maintaining patient health records, and keeping families advised on a patient’s health status and progress. A registered nurse can work in most areas of the health care field. With advanced training and experience, registered nurses can specialize in a specific medical area such as surgical procedures.

Nurse Practitioner (NP)

A Nurse Practitioner (NP) is a registered nurse who has normally completed either a master’s degree or doctoral degree and undergone training in the diagnosis and management of common medical conditions. The Nurse Practitioner degree program is explicit in its educational goals that include physical assessment and screening, diagnosis, diagnostics, therapeutic treatment, pharmacology and drug interactions, assisting with patient emotional support and counseling, patient intake, referral and discharge procedures, and case management practices.

In the US, Nurse Practitioners are licensed by the state where they practice. They have national board certification which is normally done through the American Nurses Credentialing Center or American Academy of Nurse Practitioners. The specialized training and educations allows a nurse practitioner to perform many medical tasks usually performed by a doctor. Such tasks include diagnosing and treating illnesses and injuries. A few states permit nurse practitioners to write prescriptions. The nurse practitioner has advanced comprehension and clinical proficiency in assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and patient care practices. Nurse practitioners treat health conditions within their range of practice through the utilization of physical exams, physical therapy, ordering tests, and implementing therapies for patients,

Nurses are the first medical professionals people see when faced with a health problem. They can be found working in the community in such places as health clinics, schools, doctors’ offices, home care, family planning clinics, rehabilitation centers, and hospices. In a hospital, nurses can be found working in emergency, intensive care, operating room, maternity, cardiovascular (heart), oncology (cancer), psychiatry, pediatrics, palliative, and geriatrics.

They provide important and essential support to doctors and other healthcare providers, patients, and families. A career as either a Registered Nurse or Nurse Practitioner is satisfying, lucrative, and meaningful.

Whether itd be family practice jobs or internal medicine jobs, nurses play a vital role in the medical field. As different nursing jobs possess their own differences, they each make a contribution by caring for the community.

Nursing is a highly respected medical profession. Although there are many rewards to having a nursing career, there are many stressors that can affect a nurse. The nursing profession is one area that experiences high levels of burnout. Much of the burnout is due to physical and emotional exhaustion.

High levels of stress and burnout can have a negative impact on nurses. Causes of stress that affect nurses include dealing with death and dying, heavy workload, extended hours, high job demands, understaffing, conflict with nurses, dealing with difficult family members and patients, and conflicts with doctors.

Symptoms of approaching burnout include anxiety, insomnia, forgetfulness, inability to concentrate, feelings of being overwhelmed, frustration, sadness, and physical symptoms such as headaches. Symptoms of burnout include calling in sick to work, not meeting deadlines, poor attitude, exhaustion, isolation, and depression.

The following are a number of techniques nurses are now utilizing in an effort to prevent burnout:

1. During the periods of time away from work, make sure you engage in activities with family and friends. You can find a hobby, recreational activity, dine out, go to the movies, etc. The key is to take your mind away from work. As well, humor plays a role in alleviating stress. Take the time to go see a comedy movie .You could also volunteer for a cause that you feel passionate about. You will meet new people with a different background to talk to and you will be helping others.

2. If your work conditions are the cause of stress, speak to someone such as a union rep about reducing such stressors as long hours, work overload, etc. They will be able assist you with improving work conditions.

3. When one is feeling stressed, it is important to have a solid and trusting support system. Discuss your feelings with a nurse you may be close to, family, friends, or a therapist. There are many stress reducing workshops you can attend.

4. If you have long term stress due to the particular area you are working in, consider looking for a move to another less stressful area. You could also switch to another shift that may not be as busy and stressful.

5. Take care of your body and mind. It is important that you maintain good health. Exercise is a great stress reducer. Try going to a gym, aerobics, play sports, jog, join a yoga group, walk, and meditate. Make sure you eat healthy and nutritious foods. As well, make sure you get plenty of sleep. A healthy body and mind will translate into a healthier outlook on life.

6. Learn to say “no” in a courteous manner. You do not have to say no to everything that is asked of you, but selectively saying no can help you feel less swamped with work.

The field of nursing can be a very demanding one. A high rate of burnout can not only affect the individual nurse, but also the healthcare field. It is important that nurses confront stressors and reduce them in a productive and positive way.

As nursing is a fulfilling occupation, it is rated as one of the most stressful jobs. Whether they are dealing with physician jobs or pharmacist jobs, there will be a period of time when nurses experience symptoms of burnout such as anxiety.