The War That Never Ends(Veterans)

The War that Never Ends- Soldiers suffering with Post Traumatic stress disorder The impact of deployment and especially war-zone experiences on the well-being of military personnel and veterans continues to receive growing attention. The military operation in Iraq and Afghanistan continues to raise important questions about the effect of the experience on the mental health of members of the military services who have been deployed there (Hoge et al. ,2004). Combat exposure has been linked to an array of negative health consequences, most notably posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).According to the DSM-IV-TR, PTSD is an anxiety disorder that can develop in a person after a traumatic experience in which â€Å"the person [has] experienced, witnessed, or [been] confronted with an event or events that involved actual or threatened death or serious injury, or a threat to the physical integrity of [one]self or others. According to the Surgeon General, of those individuals experiencing ext reme traumatic events, nine percent develop PTSD. Approximately 50% of those cases will return to a normal mental health state in less than a year.After one year, women were twice as likely to continue with symptoms of traumatic stress. Sometimes dubbed emotional mental health disorders such as acute stress, depression, anxiety and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are common by products of military combat (Soldiers’ Mental Health, 2007). During the current U. S. -led war on terrorism a campaign initiated following Sept. 11, 2001, attacks against U. S. – tens of thousands of soldiers deployed to Afghanistan and Iraq have been diagnosed with such conditions (Soldiers’ Mental Health, 2007). While some military veterans seek medical treatment after they return to the U.S. , many do not, beginning what often becomes a life long battle with mental illness (Soldiers’ Mental Health, 2007). Furthermore, the individual's â€Å"response involved intense fear, h elplessness, or horror. † The individual must also experience at least one symptom of intensive recollections, at least three symptoms of avoidance/numbing, and at least two symptoms of hyper arousal. Symptoms of hyper-arousal include sleep problems, irritability, concentration problems, hyper-vigilance, and exaggerated startle response. All symptoms must be present for one month or longer.In order for PTSD to be diagnosed as a disorder, â€Å"clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of fractioning† must be present. PTSD received official recognition and a separate diagnostic heading with the DSM-III publication in 1980. However, the symptoms of PTSD have been recognized for centuries. During the Civil War, generals noted that the troops were suffering from â€Å"irritable heart† or â€Å"effort syndrome,† in World War I the diagnosis was â€Å"shell shock,† and in World War II it was called â⠂¬Å"battle fatigue† or â€Å"combat exhaustion.In modem engagements such as Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) and Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF), symptoms of PTSD are denoted â€Å"acute stress,† perhaps in an effort to reduce stigma among deployed troops. Whatever its appellation, it is deemed a â€Å"signature wound† of the Iraq and Afghanistan engagement veterans. Therefore, military personnel are among the most at-risk populations for exposure to traumatic events and the development of PTSD. Ethnic minority Veterans may be more likely to disclose problems or engage in treatment when paired with a clinician of the same race (Loo, 2007).Despite study differences, the trend suggests that being an ethnic minority may cause one to be more â€Å"at risk† for PTSD (Loo, 2007). The National Vietnam Veterans Readjustment Study found differences among Hispanic, African American, and White Vietnam theater Veterans in terms of readjustment after military service (L oo, 2007). Both Hispanic and African American male Vietnam theater Veterans had higher rates of PTSD than Whites (Loo, 2007). Rates of current PTSD in the 1990 study were 28% among Hispanics, 21% among African Americans, and 14% among Whites (Loo, 2007).African Americans had greater exposure to war stresses and had more predisposing factors than Whites, which appeared to account for their higher rate of PTSD (Loo, 2007). The difference in rates of PTSD between Hispanics and Whites remained even after controlling for the fact that Hispanics had greater exposure to war stresses (Loo, 2007). Rates of PTSD among American Indian Vietnam Veterans ranged from 22% to 25% (depending on the tribe) (Loo, 2007). American Indians were exposed to greater war zone stresses (e. g. atrocities, violence, and combat) than Whites, including psychological conflict resulting from identification with the enemy (Loo, 2007). Differences in PTSD rates between American Indians and Whites disappeared after con trolling for the greater war zone stresses experienced by American Indians (Loo, 2007). Unfortunately, there continues to be an ongoing supply of combat- traumatized soldiers to study. As noted by Coleman (2006), war is a disease that kills and maims, not just by tearing apart soldiers’ bodies, but also by ravaging their minds.As the United States continues a military presence in Iraq and Afghanistan, it is also coming to grips with one of the products of war at home: a new generation of troubled veterans. Hoge, Auchterlonie, and Milliken (2006) emphasize that research with active duty personnel in Iraq and Afghanistan suggests that this new generation of veterans has high levels of PTSD and related mental health symptoms. Studies are demonstrating that troops who serve in current conflicts are experiencing PTSD and other mental health problems on a scale not seen since the war in Vietnam (Robinson, 2004).PTSD prevalence is widely disputed in medical literature, particularly its predominance among military personnel. However, â€Å"approximately 8% of the [general] population meets criteria for PTSD during their lifetime. PTSD Stressors in the general public are often the result of a traumatic event (violent crime, accident, etc. ). With regard to military personnel, the range of estimates is wide—†PTSD is the most prevalent mental health disorder among deployed service members, and affects roughly 5 to 15% of service members, depending on who is assessed and when they are assessed. From October 2001 to April 2008, approximately 1. 4 million U. S. troops had been deployed in OEF/OIF engagements. As of October 2009, more than 2 million men and women had shouldered the deployments, with 793,000 of them deploying more than once. Nearly 40% of OEF/OIF veterans had multiple deployments, and multiple â€Å"combat† exposures. Even at the low end, a 5% incidence of PTSD among deployed veterans would equal 100,000 OEF/OIF veterans with PTSD. However, this 5% is questionable on broader assessment, and most likely an underestimate. Using Veterans Affairs (VA) data, 23% of OEF/OIF veterans seen at the VA received a preliminary diagnosis of possible PTSD.Further analysis of the same data shows that only half of these PTSD patients had approved PTSD claims. Therefore, about 50% of OEF/OIF veteran patients receiving treatment for PTSD from the VA were not receiving compensation, and hence are likely undercounted as victims of PTSD. In addition, since approximately 40% of service members are still active on active duty, considering active duty military PTSD cases is also instinctive. Surveys of deployed Army soldiers and Marines show between 14% and 17% met screening criteria for PTSD while they were deployed between 2003 and 2006.This data lends additional support to the proposition that the estimate of 5% prevalence of PTSD is empirically low. The United States has incurred massive human and financial expenditures through i ts involvement in Iraq. It is estimated that total spending on the Iraq war will cost the United States up to $3 trillion to fund current military operations along with the expenses of paying the long-term disability costs of injured military personnel, death benefits sent to the families of those killed in Iraq, and interest fees paid by the United States Treasury to borrow money to fund current expenditures (Bilmes ; Stiglitz, 2008).The National Center for PTSD embraces the customary treatment strategy for PTSD as being symptom logically based. As such, individuals diagnosed with depression and anxiety receives pharmacologic treatment, in addition to the use of cognitive behavior therapy to help individuals with cognitive deficits (Summerall, 2008). Cognitive behavior therapy usually includes education regarding the stress response and relaxation techniques in efforts to enable the individual to exercise control over the extreme physical reaction to PTSD triggers and engage comple tely in therapy, overcoming avoidance symptoms.Case management, psychosocial rehabilitation, pharmacotherapy, and psychotherapy are all viable components and options regarding treatment and care provision for individuals who have incurred PTSD (Kennedy et al. , 2007). When it comes to medication management, special attention should be paid to possible drug interactions in individuals diagnosed with PTSD. These individuals may be taking medications for various symptoms such as pain, insomnia, and dizziness, in addition to surgery-associated anesthesia and antibiotics.Fluid changes resulting from procedural treatment of burns, amputations, wounds or internal organ injuries can dramatically affect the action and interaction of drugs. Moreover, individuals with PTSD may be hypersensitive to medicinal effects and corresponding side effect. Medications have proved helpful to treat depression, seizures, and agitation among persons with PTSD (Perna, Rouselle, ; Brennan, 2003).However, antip sychotic medications should be used with caution given their potential to increase negative neurobehavioral symptoms (Rosenthal ; Ricker, 2000). Impaired recall and attentiveness resulting from PTSD can also complicate medication management, as an individual may have difficulty accurately following dosage recommendations (Kennedy et al. , 2007). Furthermore, New Treatment Modalities recognize the need to meet the unique needs of military personnel with PTSD, the United States Government is exploring a variety of new treatment models.For example, the Office of Naval Research funded a $4 million project in 2005 to study the efficacy of virtual reality treatments for PTSD, which is being tested in universities and military installations across the United States (Bergfeld, 2006). This treatment involves the person experiencing virtual reality situations (i. e. , guiding them through a military compound in Fallujah or going on patrol through homes of Iraq citizens). The therapist monitor s the veteran’s responses (e. g. , breathing, sweating) and then teaches the veteran how to remain calm and composed through the use of meditation.The hope is that that the client can generalize this skill to prospective high stress situations in the real world (Bergfeld), ultimately leading to a reduction in the occurrence of PTSD symptoms. PTSD can make somebody hard to be with; living with someone who is easily startled, has nightmares, and often avoids social situations can take a toll on the most caring family (U. S. Department of Veteran Affairs, 2010). Family member may feel hurt, alienate, or discouraged because your loved one has not been able to overcome the effects of the trauma (U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, 2010). Social support is extremely important for preventing and helping with PTSD, it is important for family members to take care of themselves both for their own good and t help the person dealing with PTSD (U. S. Department of Veteran Affairs, 2010). Veterans with PTSD and their families can access several other resources associated with rehabilitative assistance. Active duty service members and their families are eligible to utilize health care services through Tricare, or Triwest depending on geographic region.Services are available on base from military providers, as well as through private care providers who require a co-payment. Also available to active duty members is Military OneSource, which provides a maximum of six free counseling sessions for service members and their families. Military OneSource has licensed counselors available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and also serves as informational resources, addressing topics such as relocation and finances (Fairweather ; Garcia, 2007). Veterans with PTSD often have other types of problems (U. S. Department of Veterans Affairs, 2010).They might have other stress, medical or mental health problems. Sometimes PTSD is overlooked when other problems seem very pressing (U. S. Department of Veterans Affairs, 2010). In Addition, a number of community organizations have been established to assist veterans and their families with adjustments to daily living brought about by combat incurred injuries such as PTSD. Swords to Plowshares, Veterans for America, and Veterans and Families exemplify groups that offer a wide range of information, resources and services (Fairweather ; Garcia, 2007).The Marine Corps Community Services, The Coming Home Project, Operation First Response are some of the Internet-based health, family, employment and education, and benefit, advocacy, and general resources to meet the needs of veterans with PTSD and their families compiled from research (Fairweather and Garcia (2007, Yeoman, 2008). According to the U. S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), the VA provides nearly 200 specialized PTSD treatment programs referral is usually needed (U. S. Department of Veteran Affairs, 2010).Each PTSD program offers education, evaluation, and treatment, some of the program services include: One to one mental assessment and testing, medicines, one to one psychotherapy and also family therapy, and group therapy which covers topics such as anger and stress, combat support, partners or groups for Veterans of special conflicts (U. S. Department of Veteran Affairs, 2010). The VA also offers specialized outpatient PTSD programs (SOPPs) and specialized intensive PTSD programs (SIPPs).Congress has in fact passed some notable legislation aimed directly at improving mental health care and quality of life for combat veterans (Wilcox-Fogel, 2012). The  Caregivers and Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act of 2010  provides financial support for family members of injured veterans who are now responsible for caring for their loved ones who have returned with lifelong disabilities (Wilcox-Fogel, 2012). The VOW to Hire Heroes Act  provides tax credits for businesses hiring veterans and is an important step in working to lower the al armingly high veteran’s unemployment rate (Wilcox-Fogel, 2012).The  COMBAT PTSD Act  has died in two previous sessions of Congress and remains in committee in the current legislative session (Wilcox-Fogel, 2012). As it stands today, a veteran must be deemed to have had â€Å"combat with the enemy† to be entitled to compensation for mental health conditions (Wilcox-Fogel, 2012). What constitutes â€Å"combat with the enemy† is extremely vague, making it difficult for some veterans suffering from PTSD to have their injury recognized by the VA (Wilcox-Fogel, 2012).The COMBAT PTSD Act would broaden the definition to include all veterans who served in a theater of combat operation during a time of war (Wilcox-Fogel, 2012). Civilian clinics and their physicians, who are responsible for treating combat stress-related injuries for the  millions of veterans  who receive care outside of the VA system, would benefit greatly from additional training (Wilcox-Fogel, 2 012). The inclusion of cognitive behavioral therapy in treatments covered by TRICARE for veterans diagnosed with TBI would improve the affordability of crucial rehabilitative care for thousands of veterans (Wilcox-Fogel, 2012).Reference Page Loo, C. (2007) PTSD Among Ethnic Minority Veterans retrieved from www. ptds. va. gov â€Å"Soldiers' Mental Health. †Ã‚  Issues ; Controversies On File:  n. pag. Issues ; Controversies. Facts On File News Services, 11 May 2007. Web. 6 Nov. 2012. http://www. 2facts. com/article/i1200260 U. S. Department of Veteran Affairs (2010) PTSD Programs in the U. S. Department of Veterans Affairs. U. S. Department of Veterans Affairs Retrieved from www. ptsd. va. gov Wilcox-Fogel, N. (2012) Despite combat PTSD Act, congress is falling short in providing for veterans with PTSD retrieved from www. policymic. com

IMPORTING AND EXPORTING Essay

I think that this argument is in the best interests of the country as a whole because they would not be worried about jobs and it will keep the overall population’s wages low to increase country’s overall manufacturing exports. Yes, China is a mercantilist Nation because China’s commercial engagement with the rest of the world is largely contributed from mercantile theory. No mercantilism is not a bankrupt theory and it has a place in the modern world because to lower the cost of production and hence cheaper products to increase exports and domestic demand of such domestic goods. Yes China has an economic policy that can be characterized as neo-mercantilist. What should the United States, and other countries, do about this China’s commercial engagement with the rest of the world is largely scripted from mercantile theory: export boosting policies that are meant to stimulate a balance of payment in China’s favor, ie, manipulating their currency to keep it artificially devalued in support of cheap capital exports and a mechanism of forced high savings, which in effect promotes policies that subsidizes Chinese manufacturers (to lower their cost of production and hence cheaper products to increase exports and domestic demand of such domestic goods) at the expense of their own households and manufacturing jobs in the consumption-crazed US-and-Eurozone – a process that leaves China’s state-coffers endowed in huge surplus reserves. b) What incentive does China have to open its markets to foreign products? Why might China resist such a move? Incentives: By opening its markets to foreign products, China can exploit its comparative advantage and specialize in the production of goods that it produces most efficiently and to buy good that it produces less efficiently from other countries, even if this means buying goods from other countries that it could produce more efficiently itself. Hence, companies in China can lower their overall cost structure or improve the quality and functionality of their product offering, allowing them to compete more effectively. Besides, globalization is becoming†¦

Body Temperature Maintenance

Body Temperature Maintenance Describe how normal body temperature is maintained and explain how the nurse can ensure accuracy when measuring this vital sign Every person creates heat in their bodies through the production of Adenosine triphosphate (also known as ATP or energy) which happens within the cells in the mitochondrion, this is also referred to as the metabolism and heat is the by product of the process in producing ATP which is called respiration (Waugh this is also constantly changing however it keeps it within a specified narrow range (Marieb 2009). Homeostasis is an important function within a person’s body. It works on an equilibrium balance effect which has a series of stages. These stages run in a chronological order whenever there’s an imbalance within the body’s system. As stated in Marieb’s (2009) work there is firstly the stimulus which is the actual imbalance within the body system such as an increase or decrease in body temperature; then there’s the rece ptor which will detect the increase or decrease in body temperature; once the receptor has detected the change it will send this message to the control centre which for temperature is the hypothalamus, depending on whether the temperature has increased or decreased, the hypothalamus will work accordingly which will send out a message to the body to either tell the blood vessels to vasoconstrict so that heat lost to the surface of the skin is decreased (if the body’s temperature is lower than usual) or it will send out a message to the blood vessels to vasodilate so that heat will be lost to the surface of the skin, it will also tell the body to produce sweat so that the heat can be evaporated away from the body. Once the body temperature has returned to ‘normal’, equilibrium has been reached and the hypothalamus will stop sending its message to the body (Marieb 2009).

Team building within a generational diverse team Research Paper

Team building within a generational diverse team - Research Paper Example It follows that this essay examines generational characteristics in terms of their articulation within the workplace environment, specifically considering the ways that a generationally diverse team can be accomplished. Generational Gap in Today’s Workforce There are a number of pros and cons in regards to the generational gap in today’s workforce. One of the most beneficial aspects of generational diversity in the workforce is the ability for individuals within this frame of context to engage in collaborative activities that mesh a variety of world perspectives and experiences together in a way that produces higher levels of company results. Conversely, the values that underline the generational differences can oftentimes result in conflicts of opinion or perception that hinder company progress and can derail workplace cooperation. Another factor that is a problem in regards to generational diversity in the workplace is the consideration of the workplace hierarchy in r egards to generational factors. ... Boomer generation’s retirement approaching they place increased emphasis on the importance of benefits; when this emphasis is compared with that of the Generation Xers who are more predominantly concerned with subsistence and building wealth than enhancing retirement portfolios. Team Building In considering the ways that team building can be accomplished within the workforce one of the most central questions is understanding the characteristics that define each generation and then analyzing how they can be intermingled and implemented in as productive a means possible. In these regards, it’s the values that underline the generations that are the most important factors to consider when building a generationally diverse team. It was earlier noted that one of the challenges facing the overarching corporate benefit structure in terms of generational diversity was attuning conflicting desires in term of compensation needs. For instance, in order to build a more functional te am environment, the business or corporate structure must development retirement and compensation packages that take into consideration the competing values of the generations in the work environment. In properly melding these competing desires into a package that appeals to both generations, factors related to motivation can be harnessed as a means of bringing employees together under a shared goal. In these regards, Notter (2009) writes that, â€Å"Knowing in advance how each generation can be triggered, either positively or negatively, can help organizations develop balanced policies and can help individual managers and employees structure their work interactions in ways that benefit all types of people.† Here Notter raises the interesting point that team building with generational diversity is not

Business-Level and Corporate-Level Strategies Assignment

Business-Level and Corporate-Level Strategies - Assignment Example Moreover, AT&T provides GSM, TDMA and UMTS services. These are the example of niche marketing activities. AT&T has started to sell their wireless and GSM services in iphone, collaborating with Apple Corporation (Grant and Meadows, 2012). Its exclusive accord to competitive market place has differentiated AT&T from its potential competitors. Vast spectrum utilization of AT&T offers its subscribers the video conferencing service. AT&T wireless is the only telecom company in US market that promises; people can get connected with each other anywhere and anyway by its efficient telecom service. AT&T has successfully diversified their business in several international markets. It is the leading wireless service provider in global market that provides Voice-IP, Voice-PTT, HSPDA and video sharing. Moreover, efficient channel exposure has increased the competitive advantage of AT&T. The story of AT&T depicts the 130 years old history. The old giant company has efficiently served the customers in telecommunication sector. From the foundation in 1875 by Graham Bell to this present era, the global telecommunication industry has evidenced several key events of AT&T. The study focuses on the corporate-level strategies of AT&T. After the successful invention of telephone in the year 1875 by Graham Bell, the company has diversified their business. The vertical integration of the company created the opportunity of transferring the corporate skills of the company. In an addition, BTC also did acquisitions of many licenses. It actually increases the market power of BTC. Years after years the both vertical and horizontal integration helped BTC to create the economies of scope. Moreover, they have continuously generated the know-how technology. The monopolistic status of the company resulted many filed regulation suits. At one point of time AT&T lost the brand image and huge market share due to

The driving forces in the changing role of accountants Literature review

The driving forces in the changing role of accountants - Literature review Example new business models and shifts in business-oriented demographics.In total, these forces of change are pushing or driving new societal values, expectations and needs and is entrusting more accountabilities on accountants to respond to these changes. In short, these changes are changing every feature of our globe in general and thrusting new duties on accountants in particular. Due to changes in the business sector due to various factors as enumerated below, there is an increasing recognition in business community for the need to develop a thorough understanding of these changes and other upcoming drivers of change and to equip themselves for a wide scale of probable future scenarios. Hence, it is significant and vital for the accounting profession to recognise the major factors and forces that are likely to shape the future. This will facilitate them to face sprouting shocks and to capitalise by acquiring new talents and skills. The study of drivers of change is important to the accountaning profession and for business executives so as to make them to prepare for the challenges from an indecisive tomorrow. This research study will investigate the promising drivers of change that could have the severe effect on accountancy profession and for the business over the ensuing decades. This study has referred various previous empirical studies on the subject to prove its research hypothesis, i.e. the important drivers for change in the role of accountants in the ensuing decade. This research study makes an attempt to offer a balanced picture on the effect of changing roles of the accounting professionals in the ensuing 5 to 10 years. The main research question will be â€Å"what are the driving forces in the changing roles of the accounting professionals in the coming decade and what the opportunity and confronts will it foster for the accounting professionals? This research study will mainly use secondary data like books, peer view journal articles, previous

Personnel management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Personnel management - Essay Example The main significance of diversity in any organization is that the employees can face many adversities and contingencies on a continuous basis. In a workplace where there is diversity, one can see that the employees have more empowerment and official rights. The main objective of an organization in attracting different employees is to enhance the team workability and talent pool. Moreover, the human resource department of an organization has more selection in recruiting employees if the workforce of the organization is supposed to be diverse and versatile. The workforce of an organization can be diverse in relation to many factors: gender, race, nationality, disability and education. Moreover, the organizations can reap more advantages and disadvantages from the employees if work diversity exists in a workplace. Practically, if we consider defining the concept of workplace diversity, it can be referred to as the inclusion of variety of people in an organization to receive full potentiality out of them. According to Edwards (2012), â€Å"When the workplace is diverse, it shows that your establishment is a true equal opportunity business that hires people with different backgrounds and races, instead of segregating, or discriminating against a certain individual†. The diversity in a workforce has a highlight of extracting potentiality from various human resources available throughout the world. This includes various types of people with different instincts who can contribute to the success and profitability of an organization. In America, the workforce diversity can be reflected in the employer’s option of hiring people aged from 25 to 64 in an attempt to get maximum potentiality and experience from the country’s manpower. In the same manner, it has been recently noticed that the recruitment of Hispanic/Latino employees has

An Individuals Right to Refuse Medical Care Case Study

An Individuals Right to Refuse Medical Care - Case Study Example The historical perspective is, to be brief, the fact that Terri Schiavo had a head injury which significantly impaired her. An autopsy later revealed that her brain had no significant cognitive functioning, with no chance of recovery. Overall, â€Å"there is no easy fix that will make end-of-life decision making simple and conflict-free.†1 Legislation was put through allowing for feeding-tube removal. An individual has the right to refuse medical care, but usually, they will have to sign a form saying that they have been informed of their necessity for medical care—and are consciously making the decision not to receive medical care by outrightly refusing it. This has various potential outcomes, one of which is if appropriate medical treatment is not received, what will happen then? The moral and ethical issues present include the following: whether someone can or cannot insert a feeding tube without the patient’s consent; whether someone can or cannot insert an I V without the patient’s consent; and whether or not someone can or cannot hydrate a patient without the patient’s consent. Governor Jeb Bush passed â€Å"Terri’s Law,† stating that Terri’s feeding tube could be removed—a legislative move. My ethical position on the issue is that Terri’s feeding tube and hydration should not have been discontinued. In fact, I protested these end-of-life procedures when the Schiavo case was happening, in order to garner attention to how upset I felt that her rights were being violated.

Illegal action of a nurse Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Illegal action of a nurse - Research Paper Example Thus, nurses play an important role in the safety of the patient. In this article, medication errors by nurses will be discussed with reference to a case scenario in an old age nursing home. Ms X is a registered nurse in the State of Georgia working in a renowned Long-term care nursing home. On a busy day, the nursing manager noticed that she did not sign the MARs sheet even after administering the drugs to a patient. This was against the rule that all nurses must sign the medication chart soon after administering medication to patient. When confronted Ms.X argued that she had to do so to save time in the busy ward. She had planned to sign the charts after delivering medications to all the patients. However, the manager tells her that "no sign means not given the medication." Thus, there is a medication error and this is an illegal action by the nurse. Medication error may be defined as "any preventable medication-related event that adversely affects a patient in a nursing home and is related to professional practice, or healthcare products, procedures, and systems, including prescribing, prescription order communications, product labeling, packaging and nomenclature, compounding, dispensing, distribution, administration, education, monitoring and use" (Greene et al, 2005). Like any other safety issues, medication errors occur due to system failures or human errors. Factors associated with medication errors include using wrong name, abbreviation or dosage form of the drug, wrong calculation of drug dosage, atypical dosage, deficiencies in training, poor perception of risk of medication error and undue time pressure. The most commonly reported medication errors are omission errors, improper dosage and unauthorized drug errors (ICN, 2009). Medication errors by nurses can be prevented by following the "five rights" of giving medication. They are "right drug,