Iroquois theatre fire, chicago, IL, december 30, 1903 Research Paper

Iroquois theatre fire, chicago, IL, december 30, 1903 - Research Paper Example It is one of the tragic incidents which have occurred, where it is not possible to accurately tell the number of the casualties, more than a hundred years later. Although it is in record that 605 people perished during this incident, the number is not accurate, since it depended on the number of bodies that were reported, collectable and mere estimation. However, it is feared that more people may have died during this incident, because the fire could have burnt down other people to ashes (Brandt, 5). The number given is only dependent on the deaths that were reported, while there were many other bodies that were removed from the scene, which were never reported. Therefore, the magnitude of this incident raised alarm over the need to step up the safety measures against fire, for both theatres and other public buildings. There are various reasons as to why the theatre was a popular holiday venue, mostly flocked to capacity in the event of any performance. The location of the theatre was strategic, meant to attract mostly women who were on day trips out of town (Brandt, 12). Secondly, the theatre was constructed in a safe zone, near a shopping district that was patrolled by police at all times. This made the theatre attractive to the people, since they were assured of their safety. Although the theater turned out to be a popular holiday destination in Chicago, it opened later than was scheduled; following some labor unrests and the failure to have its architect complete the drawing in good time (Campbell, 193). Nevertheless, its architectural standard was high, compared to any other theatre in the US at the time, which immediately made it attract large crowds during performances. In its architectural design, the theatre comprised of three different levels where the audiences could watch from, which w ere separated by broad stairways. The two upper audience levels, the dress circle and the gallery were separated from the main floor

Life decisions and moral dilemmas

Life decisions and moral dilemmas Introduction: This assignment illuminates the use of ethical decision making model in taking decisions while managing patients in their best interest. Ethical decision making is very challenging for the health care professionals while working for the benefits and the interests of the patients. While caring for the dying or the terminally ill patients, health care providers address various issues of pain and suffering in relation to the psychological, spiritual, mental and physical complexities of the person having the terminal illness. The ethical decision making models act as guide to make decisions in different complex situations addressing various issues which includes ethical principles, persons own values and beliefs, institutional policies, legal considerations and social values Nurses can improve results of ethical decisions by: †¢ preferring client wishes. †¢ encouraging the importance of ethical issues in care of patient. †¢ obtaining necessary consultation on ethical concerns †¢ becoming involved in the development of policy on ethical issues †¢ advocating for safe and competent nursing care within Alberta communities †¢ encouraging and facilitating cooperation and collaboration between professionals and between agencies to effect improvements within health care †¢ participating in the development of practice standards, issues statements and position papers on professional issues †¢ working with colleagues to identify crucial ethical issues for the profession, including: − the implementation of evidence-based practice − shaping the direction of health-care reform †¢ linking of resource allocation decisions to client outcomes In this assignment i am going to use STORCH Model for ethical decision making. This model was developed by Jan Storch for use in health policy decision making, but later it was adapted for use in ethical decision making. Dr. Storch suggested the use of this circular model as a way of reminding us that it is important to return to each consideration as we move towards decision making. This model involves three major steps: Information and identification Concern People/population Ethical components. Clarification and evaluation. Ethical principles Autonomy Nonmaleficence Beneficence Justice Social expectations and Legal requirements Range of actions/ anticipated consequences Professional code of ethics Ones values beliefs, values of others and value conflict 3. Actions and Review. Case study: Eighty four years old Mr. Adam, was admitted to the ICU. He has been suffering from throat malignancy for 18 months. Now his disease condition has become worsen. His life expectancy is about 3 months. He has difficulty in breathing, difficulty in swallowing and cries with pain. He is on mechanical support and has nasogastric tube in place. He lives with his 82 years old wife. He was a active social worker. His wife tells that he believes in living life in a productive way. He used to drive cancer patients to the rehabilitation centre voluntarily. He has two daughters who live in Ontario, but now they are here to visit their father. He requested the nurse to remove the nasogastric tube and mechanical ventilation as he does not want to live life in this way. His wife agreed to his decision as she does not want to see him suffering anymore. She want him to die peacefully and painlessly. According to Storch Model of ethical decision making, in this case scenario, Information and identification: Nurse Need to gather all the information regarding Mr. Adam. Nurse can arrange a family conference including his wife and the daughters also the family physician can be involved. She should listen to the views and concerns of all the family members related to the request of the patient. Nurse should consider the medical condition of the patient, Mr. Adam is terminally ill and now as his condition has become worsen he has become totally dependent on life support system. He has severe pain which he cannot tolerate. His life expectancy is very short and the prognosis is really poor. Mr. Adam is suffering from throat cancer and is on the last stage but his decision making capacity can be intact, so nurse should assess the reason for his decision. Nurse should assess if there is depression, as it may effect the decision of the patient. Mr. Adam is staying alone with his wife, so the financial resources may be limited to bear his stay in hospital. He was an active social worker. Mr. Adam used to drive cancer patients to the rehabilitation centre. He may have strong social connections and a positive quality of life. Mr. Adam believes in active living of life not in this dependent manner and he spends his life living for others and helping others in their time of need. He had very positive attitude towards life. He believes in life worth living rather living. Nurse should assess the expectations of his family regarding the condition of the patient. Mr. Adams wife and daughter should be asked about their expectations for Mr. Adams health status and prognosis. His daughters live far away from him so they may not have as much familiar with his condition as Mrs. Adam do. Nurse can consult the doctor regarding the condition of the patient and also about the outcome of the decision. Identify the surrogate decision makers for Mr. Adam. According to the second step: Clarification and evaluation: nurse should assess the different values associated with Mr. Adam. Mr. Adams personal values regarding life are worth living life. He believes in living life in a productive and positive way. Nurse should assess the cultural values of the patient, what role cultural values play in his life. What his culture says about life and death. Nurse should also keep in view the religious values of the patient. What role does his religion play in his life? If the religion allows for hastening the death process. Professional values play an important role in ethical decision making. Nurse should consider the professional values associated with the removal of life support system. Nurse should assess the values of the family members regarding the decision of hastening death of their family member. Mr. Adams wife is in favor of his decision to remove life support as she does not want to see him suffering. She wants him to die peacefully and painlessly. Consider the ethical principles. Principle of Autonomy: According to this principle patient has the right to decide for himself, here in this case Mr. Adam is autonomous and deciding removal of life support system. He tells the nurse that he does not want to live life like this. Nurse should respect his autonomy towards the life and should consider his decision and wish while taking actions. Principle of non maleficence: According to this principle nurse should do no harm to the patient. In the above case scenario, patient want to stop the life support and continuing the treatment may go against the principle as it is against his wish. Principle of beneficence: According to this principle, nurse should do good for the patient. Here patient is asking for stopping life support system but it does not provide any benefit towards his condition at the same time it works in favor of his wish to die. Principle of justice: According to this principle, all persons should be equally provided with health care services. In this case patient is provided with required health care needs. Consider the social expectations and legal requirements: Nurse should look for any similar history in the hospital. Identify any previous similar case in the institution, so that she/he can look for the policies and steps that can be taken. Nurse should check the hospital policies regarding the hastening of death of the patient. She should assess that what steps can be taken according to the policies. Nurse should ask for any legal documentation of clients decision making authorities. She can ask for any legal will or advance directives. While considering the different aspects of model nurse should assess that what possible range of actions can de done. Considering the information provided, Mr. Adam is a strong social human being, he spent life doing productive, now as he is chronically sick and dependent which for him is not worth living. He is old and the life expectancy is poor also it gives him severe pain. His wife want him die peacefully. And also the financial sources may be limited to continue life support. The ethical principles gives him the right to decide for himself. According to Canadian Nurses association code of ethics for registered nurses, there are seven primary nursing values: 1. Providing safe, compassionate, competent and ethical care 2. Promoting health and well-being 3. Promoting and respecting informed decision-making 4. Preserving dignity 5. Maintaining privacy and confidentiality 6. Promoting justice 7. Being accountable ( CNA code of ethics for registered nurse) Nurse should consider the professional code of ethics while making decision for the patient that whether she is going according to provided professional guidelines. In this case nurse should follow the professional code of ethics while caring And deciding for Mr. Adam. Nurse can consider her own values and beliefs regarding life and death in empathizing and understanding the needs of the patient and family. Nurse should understand the values and beliefs of the persons involved in the decision making for the patient. How the stopping of life support system effect the family members? What they believe about death process? Mr, Adams wife believes in his peaceful death. Nurse should assess if there is any conflict between the values of patient, family members , profession, culture, religion. Action and review: in this case scenario action must be decided according to the various perspectives proposed by the model. Nurse can check what she can provide to the patient, whether the request to hasten dying is made under depression or really in relevant means to patient. If it is due to depression, what nurse can do to promote and facilitate calm and peace to mind of patient. How she can provide compassionate care and peaceful death to the patient. If patient really wants to die, nurse should t check what she can do while regulating the hospital policies. All the perspectives given by the model should be reviewed before taking any actions. Conclusion: In the nutshell, I can say that Storch Model is the best suited model to the above case scenario as it covers all the issues and perspectives related to the decision. The ethical decision making skill can achieved by reading literature and with the practice experience. These decisions play important role in the lives of patients and nurses as well. There is need of ethical relationship between patient and nurse. There should be better understanding of nurses own values, beliefs, patient and his values and beliefs, professional values , institutional policies.

Beka Lamb by Zee Edgell Essay -- Four Pillars Zee Edgell Essays Papers

Beka Lamb by Zee Edgell The four pillars of life include staying connected, motion, nutrition and reduction of stress. In the novel, Beka Lamb, by Zee Edgell, these pillars are examined. A novel about the upbringing and changes a young girl goes through. She makes some mistakes throughout her life but she soon realizes that she needs to alter her ways. With the help of a close friend, considered to be like a sister, she is able to look at life differently. Their friendship helps them to transform.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Beka is a young teenager, going through a tough time in her life. Her parents had enrolled her in a Catholic school in order to give her a best education. They want her to strive to be the best that she can. While at school, Beka became lazy and ended up failing her first year at the school. Aside from being a poor student, Beka is also a liar. Rather than telling her parents the truth, she lies and as a result, takes a beating from her father. Her best friend, Toycie, tries to guide Beka onto the right path.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Toycie is a few years older than her friend. She is now in fourth form at the Catholic school. As a child, she was abandoned by her parents and left to be cared for by her Aunt Eila. Characterized by her Aunt as a Queen, Toycie is almost the complete opposite of Beka. She is beautiful and studious. The quality that links them together is their ability to find themselves in bad situations.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Their friendship had developed at a young age and has grown into a sisterhood. As a job, Toycie took care of Beka and her brothers. From there, the two shared many secrets. Being each others’ confidant, they spent a lot of time together. They would go on walks and share their thoughts or ambitions with one another. They also had a system of checks and balances. When Beka was in trouble at school, Toycie offered to help her with her studies. She also urged Beka to be truthful with her parents. In return, Beka tried to persuade Toycie to find help when she became pregnant. Beka was also there for her when her boyfriend refused to accept the baby as his own.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In Toycie’s hardest times, Beka was always around, trying to help. Because of their strong friendship, Beka wanted to be her shoulder to lean on. In the first few months of her pregnancy, Toycie became very nauseous. While at school, she was vomiting everywhere and Beka would run to h... ...aditions of its mother country. Tea time offered a time for people to connect with others. It was a time where families could get together and bond. As mentioned before, women of the house joined together in the kitchen when preparing the snack. Motion plays it part when the family is together and talking. Their minds are consistently moving as they discuss their thoughts. Also, Beka and Toycie usually took their long walks after tea. Obviously, the pillar of nutrition was fulfilled when the family has tea and treats. Lastly, the family was able to relax when sitting down for tea. They were able to take some time out of their day to unwind.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Beka Lamb is a good example for the four pillars of life. The different aspects are displayed in Beka’s actions and beliefs. She is full of life and without these pillars she would not be able to get as far as she has. Still in her first form, Beka still has a lot to learn about herself and others. Everything happens for a reason and Beka has learned that her actions do have consequences. Although all consequences may not be good ones, she still has the basic foundations in life which are found in herself, her family and her friends.

Ethical Decision Making In Business Essay

The term often used to describe the system or principles by which we choose right from wrong is ethics. Conflicts in ethics arise when one person or a group of people impede the beliefs of another person or group of people. It would not be possible to decide who is right or wrong when a conflict arises, but it is our moral responsibility to resolve the dilemmas to the best of our ability. This paper is going to explore the topic of ethical decision making and establish ground rules for the process and analyze possible ethical implications that may arise. What are the ground rules? Making an ethical decision, at times, can be extremely difficult, as emotions tend to hinder ones judgment. For example, if a husband came upon his wife being beat to death, his first impulse would likely be to bring as much pain to the attacker as the attacker brought to his wife. On the other hand, the husband would know that would not be the ethical thing to do. For that reason, the process of making an ethical decision should be similar to making a normal decision. There are five possible steps that can be taken in order to ensure an ethical and reasonable decision. The first step is to clarify the issue and determine precisely what must be decided. This involves gathering as much information as possible and clearly recognizing the problem. At this step, one should be forced to develop at least three ethically justifiable options and determine which ethical principles and values are involved (Five Steps, 2001). The next step is to evaluate the issue. Evaluation involves exploring the options created in step one and realizing if they require the sacrifice of any ethical principle. Evaluation would also involve deciphering facts from beliefs and theories, or past experiences. When a person is emotionally involved, as the man was in the example above, all commonsense tends to fade. The evaluation step forces a person to ensure they are not allowing their emotions to get involved and they are purely making their decision based on facts (Five Steps, 2001). The third step in the decision-making process is to decide what is or is not true and to make a judgment regarding what consequences are most likely to  occur. At this stage, if an ethical dilemma was discovered, this is the time to evaluate the alternatives of each option and decide which would be the most ethical. For example, for the man in the example, the most ethical decision would be to restrain the man and free his wife and then call the authorities and let them handle punishing the man. It would not be to take the law into his own hands and punish the man himself, even though that is mostly like what he wants to do (Five Steps, 2001). At this third step, it is important to incorporate the three â€Å"ethic guides† when trying to make a decision. The first guide is the golden rule, which believes that a person should treat others as they would want to be treated. The second guide is publicity. A person would need to consider how they would feel if their decision were presented to the public. Finally, the third guide is called the â€Å"kid on your-shoulder.† This forces the person to imagine following through with their decision with their children watching (Five Steps, 2001). The fourth step in the decision-making process is developing a plan to implement the decision. If all the steps above have been followed properly, this step should be relatively easy since all the ethical risks have already been established. Finally, the fifth step is to monitor the effects of the decision. This involves being willing to change their decision if it appears their first choice is not successful. This is a constant process until the issue has been resolved (Five Steps, 2001). What could the ground rules be? Ethical decision-making is something that varies from person to person. Not everyone has the same beliefs of what is right and wrong. Some people believe the death penalty is inhumane and cruel while others believe it’s justice. Who is to say which person is right or wrong? No one can since ground rules and ethical behavior are subjective. The ground rules explained above are broad enough as to not force a person to overrule their own beliefs, however it is enough to make them realize, at least to them, what is right and wrong in any given situation. What should the ground rules be? Deciding what should the ground rules be is also subjective. Each individual is going to have their own feedback and decisions on how ethical decisions should be made. I believe the best way to improve on the decision-making process would be to involve others. Even if a person follows the ground rules mentioned above, there is still going to be emotion involved. If a person could ask for another point of view, they might learn or think of something they hadn’t before. For example, going back to the man who found his wife being beat, if there were another person present at the time, that person could help reason with the husband and realize the unethical aspect of what he wanted to do to the man. I know when I have a difficult decision to make that involves ethics I immediately involve another person. I am able to realize that I am too emotional about the situation and cannot make a reasonable decision on my own. Therefore, that is how I believe the ground rules should be changed. What are the ethical implications of the decision? The fifth step in the decision-making process is to monitor and modify the decision if any problems arise. This will allow the person who made the decision to either live with the implications or select another solution. If they stay with their first option, even if there are implications, at least the person can be sure they followed the steps, weighed all of the options, and this is the most appropriate solution for the issue. Making a decision not only involves implementing it, but also living with the outcome. Conclusion Ethical norms and principles have developed over time and across all different cultures (Shanks, 1997). People have been raised to weigh the difference between right and wrong when making a decision. Therefore, I believe people utilize the ground rules described above without even realizing it. That leads me to believe that ethical decision-making is an innate trait for most people, and something they make the most of on a regular basis. The sad reality is not all people have these skills or even  have the ability to understand the difference between right and wrong. The challenge for us would be to share our knowledge, help others to learn the ground rules of ethical decision-making; and maybe, just maybe, our world would become a little safer. References: Five steps of principled reasoning. (2001). [Online]. Available: http://www.josephsoninstitute.org (September 25, 2002). Shanks, Thomas. (1997, Winter). Everyday ethics: morality requires regular reflection on the day-to-day decisions that confront us. Issues in Ethics. 8(1). [Online]. Available: http://www.scu.edu (September 28, 2002).

Hooters vs the EEOC

Is Hooters’ employee selection critical to the effective implementation of its strategy? Do the job specifications for Hooters restaurant servers have a discriminatory effect against male applicants? Does Hooters management appear to have a bias against males? Response: Hooters employee selection is critical to the effective Hooter’s primary image is that of sex appeal and the entire waitstaff is the reflection of the company’s image. Hooters main target audience is middle age men and the business sell wings by using the sex appeal of it’s servers. Hooters has a reputation of having only female waitress that are very attractive with little uniform. Even their logo resembles a female anatomy. Their whole business model is based on those principals. Majority of the customers go there to get served food and entertained by attractive waitress. Hooters is a major food retailer with 400 restaurants that employe thousands of people primarily women. These women are making a living with having a job at Hooters. Hooters has the right to hire only female waitress because that’s their ompany image and principal. Having a male waiter at Hooters just doesn’t mix with company image. Hooters will also loose a lot of customers if they integrate, because the majority of the customers go there for the female waitress. That’s what makes Hooters different from the other restaurants. There are a lot of restaurants that sell the same type foods. The customers have a lot of choices of restaurants but Hooters customers go there bec ause of the all girl attractive waitress. Hooters restaurant does not have a discriminatory against male applicants. They are not completely segregated company. They are not biased against male they can still have a career with Hooters. Hooters hires male applicants for managerial, cook and busboys positions. The management have to keep up to the company principal and image. So they are not allowed to hire any male waiters because it goes against the company image. Do you agree with Hooters’ position that female gender is a bona fide occupational qualification for the position of restaurant server? Do recent court decisions support management’s arguments? Response: I agree with Hooters’ position that female gender is a bona fide occupational qualification for the position of restaurant server. The company image and business strategy is based on the female waitresses. If you ask a Hooter customer, â€Å" what’s special about Hooters? † Their response will be about the attractive female waitress. Not about how good their burgers are. Hooters feeds both their customer’s mind and stomach. The court decisions does support the management’s arguments because they can not change their business strategy. Having male waiters will defiantly have a big impact on their business.