Student Independent Projects Environmental Studies 2011: A Values Profile for a Healthy, Sustainable Corner Brook Community

We now live in a world where urbanization has become the norm. Approximately half the world now lives in cities(O'brien, 2008). In recent years for a province like Newfoundland and Labrador which has relied heavily on one industry, the fishery, this statistic holds a lot of meaning. For well over a century there has been a continuing movement from Newfoundland to other parts of Canada and the US. Between 1971 and 1998 alone, net out-migration amounted 20% of the provinces population. This exodus has become a significant part of Newfoundland culture (Bowering Delisle, 2008). Communities have declining populations because families can no longer afford to live in their communities. For places like Corner Brook though citizens do not feel the urge to move to bigger urban centers like St. John's or places on the mainland. The purpose of this paper is to outline values which maybe keeping Corner Brook residents from uprooting their families to move to bigger urban centers such as St. John's, in order to be able to support ther families, get experience in their fields or to just acquire a job like many other people around the province.

Student Independent Projects Environmental Studies 2011: The Humber River Basin Human Values Project: Designing a Sampling Strategy for a Pilot Survey in the Corner Brook Area

Sustainability can be indicated by a number of factors. Populations need to be aged evenly, ensuring a healthy equilibrium. Job opportunities must be numerous and of wide varieties to balance incomes from different employment sectors. Regions must also sustain vital natural resources in the area which are directly related to a place being self-sustaining. These indicators prove to be true, especially in Newfoundland, where people have struggled to remain in the small traditional communities that they consider being there 'home.' The population of Corner Brook and the surrounding areas can be stratified according to the values people hold to their special place. Even though people in western Newfoundland hold strong ties to their home, some parts of the region even though people in western Newfoundland hold strong ties to their home, some parts of the region struggle with employment, low incomes, out-migration, and dependency on declining natural resources. The aim of this paper is to present the process of designing a sample strategy for a human values pilot survey conducted in the city of Corner Brook. It will present a theoretical background over the period 2002-2006 to be used for sampling strategy.

Student Independent Projects Environmental Studies 2012: Creating Effective University Carbon Inventories: Best

Universities have a special capacity and responsibility to address climate change and this paper focuses on carbon inventories as an important tool for reducing emissions on university campuses. I first describe carbon inventories then analyze three universities that have already developed sustainability action and baseline inventories: Dalhousie University, Mount Allison University, and the University of Victoria. From the case studies, I identify and discuss six conditions important for the successful implementation of carbon inventories. Finally, the case study findings are applied to Grenfell Campus and a carbon inventory implementation plan is proposed for this institution. The paper draws on qualitative Methodologies (interviews and case studies) using the theoretical frame work of ecological economics and the concepts of externalities, sustainable development, and policy instruments.

Student Independent Projects 2012: Sustainable Resource Management

Everyday Millions of disposable plates, cups and utensils are used in fast food establishments, cafeterias, restaurants and homes worldwide. These single-use disable plates, cup and utensils, when of polystyrene or plastic, do not biodegrade and decompose like fruit, vegetables or meat; they only breakdown into smaller pieces on a physical level. This lack of decomposition means that these products persist and accumulate in landfills consuming the available space and contaminate the surrounding area. With an ever growing global population, the disposable waste generated annually is increasing and landfills worldwide are rapidly filling. Therefore, more landfills are needed sooner but they are expensive to create, they consume a large amount of usable space and can harm the environment. In order to reduce the dependence on landfills, the waste can be diverted through recycling programs, reducing human consumption and purchasing reusable and/or compostable materials. These methods of waste reduction would be implemented at the municipal level but it would be possible to change provincial and state legislation so that municipalities would be required to do so rather than of their own volition. If initiated worldwide than the amount of waste produced by humans would be greatly reduced and the dependence on landfills would decrease.

Independent Projects Environmental Studies 2001: Environmental Auditing Strategy for Sir Wilfred Grenfell College

Overconsumption has caused environmental degradation, while creating a dependence on convenience commodities. It is the disposal of solid waste which will prove problematic in the future with growing world populations requiring resources and the use of the land. Universities, as institutions of higher learning, have an opportunity to reduce their environmental impact through its daily operations. Adopting an environmental management system and creating an environmental policy is the means by which these institutions become sustainable campuses. Stewardship policies are developed for universities, such as Sir Wilfred Grenfell College by analyzing current consumptive practices of the students, Faculty, and staff at the institution, often by way of an environmental audit

Student Independent Projects 2009: Embedding Sustainability: Hiking Trail Proposal to Steady Brook via Massey Drive

The construction and maintenance of a hiking trail to Steady Brook via Massey Drive would provide an opportunity for introducing proactive strategies toward sustainability. This will form a motive for further ecotourism development as Massey Drive becomes recognized as a tourist destination. For Massey Drive to embrace hiking trail development with the intention of developing further tourism initiatives, educating the community members about sustainability in tourism is essential to provide the community with the knowledge necessary to develop tourism through a long-term vision.

Student Independent Projects Environmental Studies 2007: Redesigning the Corner Brook Waterfront

In recent decades, urban planning has seen a rise in waterfront revitalization. This is important concerning Corner Brook, where the possible permanent closure of the Mill would have devastating consequences for the surrounding area. Corner Brook is located on the West Coast of Newfoundland, Canada, and has a population of 20,083 (WWW.statcan.ca, 2007). Corner Brook Pulp and Paper Ltd. (CBP&P) dominates the local economy and is located on the city's waterfront. With the realization that the heart of any city is the waterfront, if there is one present, many cities started revitalization trend in order to bring life back to the community and restore the local economy (Robertson, 1999). In the past, waterfronts were dominated with industry, shipping, and the navy. Today, the focus has shifted to leisure, recreation, tourism, and residential and commercial activity. Along with economic factors, the visual aspect of the waterfront is also Important (Albrecht, Bode, & Evers, 2003; Hoffman, 1999). Although this trend started out larger cities, such as Toronto, it has now spread to smaller centers, similar to the size of Corner Brook (Hoyle, 2000). What differs between the various sizes of the cities is what the main focus of the waterfront will be following the revitalization. With the tourism economy making a strong foothold in Newfoundland, the waterfront would provide the possibility to extend it even further. Yet, the most important aspects of the new waterfront will be to ensure environmentally safe measures (Slocombe, 1993) and making sure that as many jobs as possible will be generated. The generation of new jobs is especially important considering the loss of the Mill, which has provided the city and surrounding area with paying employment.

Student independent Projects Environmental Studies 2007: An Environmental Levy for Disposable Cups in NL: A preliminary Investigation

Human ability to impact Planet Earth appears to know no bounds. Adherence to polices of managed resource extraction combined with unbridled consumption, have fostered a disposable culture contributing to mass production of garbage. Eco-taxation may provide the economic tools required to reduce the amount of waste generated. Keys to eco-tax success are vision, education, and flexibility. Success must be measured in societal gains, not simply in monetary terms. Public opinion is initially opposed to consumer charges. Education and viable personal options are crucial to overcome resistance. With one coffee shop dispensing over 800,000 disposable cups annually, an eco-tax is an attractive option to simultaneously raise revenue to waste management programs and reduce one sector of waste production.

The Ross's Gull (Rhodostethia rosea) in North America

The population, distribution and range of the Ross's gull in North America remain poorly understood, as does almost every aspect of its ecology and biology. It breeds at a few disparate locations in the Canadian Arctic and is an annual fall migrant in northern Alaska where tens of thousands occur in the nearshore waters of the Beaufort and Chukchi Seas, but little else is known about the distribution, habitat requirements, migratory routes and wintering areas used by this species. In order to clarify the status of the Ross's gull in North America I sought to discover new breeding sites in the Canadian High Arctic in order to characterize nesting habitat requirements, develop a predictive model with which to identify suitable nesting habitat for Ross's gulls, and refresh outdated estimates of the number of individuals migrating past Point Barrow, Alaska. Taken together, my findings provide a comprehensive account of the current status of the Ross's gull in North America.

Learning leadership: a resource for aspiring nurse leaders

Background/purpose – Nurse leaders play a key role in the growth of the nursing profession; hence the development of future leaders is essential. Despite its importance, opportunities for leadership development can be limited. The purpose of the practicum project was to develop a comprehensive, yet concise resource to assist aspiring nurse leaders in their journey towards effective leadership. Methods – The methods used to achieve the practicum objectives were: (a) explore the literature and complete a comprehensive review (b) conduct expert consultations with current nurse leaders, and (c) develop a learning resource for aspiring nurse leaders. Results – The literature review and expert consultations highlighted the importance of effectively developing aspiring nurse leaders. The information obtained allowed for the development of a comprehensive learning resource. A detailed background, leadership theory, leadership framework, leader competencies and learning activities are presented throughout the resource. Conclusion – In order to for the nursing profession to continue to advance, effective nurse leaders are of paramount importance. However, it is essential that aspiring leaders are given appropriate opportunities for development. The learning resource was developed to provide aspiring leaders with a comprehensive tool to enhance their leadership development.

Caring for the autistic child: a resource manual for health care providers

Background: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects approximately 1 in 68 children (CDC, 2014). Comorbid medical conditions and psychiatric disorders increase the likelihood that these children will require acute care services more often than their neurotypical peers (McDermott, Zhou, & Mann, 2008; Simonoff et al., 2008). The evidence suggests that most health care providers are unprepared for the complexity of the interactions with these children during an acute care episode (McGongile, Migyanka, et al., 2014; McGongile, Venkat, et al., 2014; Muskat et al., 2015). Currently, there are no formalized training programs for acute health care workers in Regina Qu’Appelle Health Region (RQHR). Purpose: The purpose of this practicum project was to use the best available evidence on the care needs of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and effective interaction strategies to guide development of a resource manual for acute care health workers, especially registered nurses (RNs), working in the RQHR. Methods: Initial steps involved planning for and conducting a needs assessment. The resulting database emerged from a critical review of relevant literature, an environmental scan of resources within RQHR, and informal consultations with parents and caregivers of children with ASD, acute care nurses and nurse managers and experts in the field of ASD. Following analysis and collation of all data into major themes, a draft blueprint guided development of a resource manual for health care providers interacting with and providing care to children with ASD. Results: The needs assessment data informed development of an educational resource manual appropriate for all health care providers who encounter children with ASD and their parents and/or caregivers within acute care environments. The Caring for the Autistic Child: A Guide for Health Care Providers in Acute Care provides insightful information on the disorder and associated comorbid conditions, as well as effective approaches to care delivery with this priority population. Implementation and evaluation plans will guide distribution of the resource manual within the RQHR. Conclusion: The sequential and interdependent steps taken in this practicum project led to the development of a resource manual comprised of simple, easy to implement strategies capable of assisting nurses and all healthcare providers in providing care tailored to the autistic child’s unique needs and challenges.

CAUTI prevention bundles: improving best practices within Western Health for continued success

Background: Persons in acute care settings who have indwelling urethral catheters are at higher risk of acquiring a urinary tract infection (UTI). Other complications related to prolonged indwelling urinary catheters include decreased mobility, damage to the meatus and/or urethra, increase use of antibiotics, increased length of stay, and pain. UTIs in acute care settings account for 30 to 40% of all health care associated infections (HAIs). Of these, 80% are catheter associated UTIs (CAUTIs). Purpose: To utilized the CDC (2009) bundle approach for CAUTI prevention and create a program which supports a multimodal method to improving urinary catheter use, maintenance, and removal, including a continuing competency program where role expansion is anticipated. Methods: A comprehensive review of the literature was conducted. Physicians were consulted through a power point presentation followed by a letter explaining the project, a questionnaire, and two selections of relevant literature. Nursing staff and allied health professionals from the target units of 3A and 3B medicine attended one of two lunch and learns. They were presented the project via a power point presentation and the same questionnaire as distributed to physicians. Results: Five e-learning modules, a revised policy, and clinical pathway have been developed to support staff with best practice knowledge transfer. Conclusion: Behaviour changes need to be approached with a framework, extensive consultation, and education. Sustainability of any practice change cannot occur without having completed the background work to ensure staff have access to tools to support the change.

The transition experience for registered nurses new to case management in the community

Case management is increasingly being used within today‟s healthcare system in an effort to reduce healthcare costs while meeting the complex needs of populations within the community. Registered nurses (RNs) are often recruited for the role of case managers in the community because of their specific skill set and ability to navigate the healthcare system. There is a vast amount of literature related to the client and system benefits of case management, the roles and responsibilities of RN case managers, and job satisfaction among RN case managers. However, there is a literature gap noted in relation to the transition experience for RNs new to case management in the community setting. This research study used grounded theory methodology, guided by Glaser and Strauss (1967) to explore the process of RNs transitioning to case management in the community setting. Eleven RNs new to case management in the community were interviewed using semi-structured interviews. Data analysis was carried out using the constant comparative method. Three stages of adjusting to case management in the community were identified: slugging it out, seeing the job as it is, and finding the way. By gaining an understanding of this transition experience, recommendations for nursing practice and administration, education, and research that are based on the evidence from this study can be implemented to improve the transition experience for RNs new to case management in the community setting