The Canadian nurse
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While the needs of dying individuals and their families have come under increasing scrutiny in the past decade, issues related to the needs of older adults (75 years or more) who are dying have not been systematically addressed. Death and dying are increasingly associated with old age, yet the conceptualization of palliative care in later life is not well developed. All too often, the philosophy and principles of palliative care are not invoked in the care of people who are both old and dying. It is an omission that must cease.
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The public's diversified language profile means that nursing practice must adjust to provide the same quality of care to all clients, no matter what language they speak. To improve quality and quantity of information exchanged in the nurse-client-interpreter triangle, the authors have investigated the type of information likely to be filtered and studied the various factors underlying the interpreter's choice to filter information. The authors also analyzed the values interpreters assign to information and the factors that form the background for filtering, including mistrust. The authors suggest adequately preparing interpreters; using interpreters' expertise; and developing an appropriate training program for intercultural interpreters to enable them to better function within health care institutions.
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This article describes a health promotion project for teens in a rural francophone community in Northern Ontario. A planning committee of two community health nurses and eight teenagers developed, implemented and evaluated the project. Based on teen interest generated in the community, the committee planned a youth snowmobile day to help identify and define the teenagers' particular health needs. ⋯ Study results indicate that when power is shared with teenagers, important lessons are learned by both parties. In such a partnership, nurses need to use more than the educational approach to interventions. Their role as community development facilitators is highlighted, as well as their need to develop novel and unique approaches for dealing with teenagers.
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Pakistan's health characteristics are worse than those of other Asian countries at similar stages of development. Its mortality rate for children under five is 139 per 1,000, and its maternal mortality is 60 per 10,000. Malnutrition in women and children is widespread; 50 per cent of children under five are stunted. ⋯ Partly because the training of doctors and nurses is lengthy and expensive, there is an acute shortage of health care providers, especially women. Although female health professionals are preferred for caring for women, cultural constraints inhibit women from seeking education. Such is the multifaceted dilemma in the provision of primary health care in Pakistan.