This week I had the opportunity to take the Values in Action Inventory of Strengths (VIA-IS). I found that the test rated my top twenty four strengths. My number one strength was perspective, two Hope, curiosity, Bravery, and leadership. These are the top five but so on and so on, the bottom four include prudence, forgiveness, creativity, and honesty. I learned more about the description of what these qualities are. I knew about all twenty four qualities but just got another insight from another perspective. Based off my own qualities and what I learned out of humbleness I agree. I say this because perspective being number one, aside from the other twenty three is by far my greatest strength. Though the test may have been bias or not I feel anyone can hold those 24 qualities depending on who they are. This test helped me build on my perspective.

Project ACCESO is seeking applications from CI and community college STEM students to be part of the 45 student cohort this summer. Students need to apply for this program by 5 pm Friday, February 20. The application can be accessed through this website: http://www.csuci.edu/projectacceso/research/application.htm

CSU TRUSTEES’ AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT
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The CSU Trustees’ Award for Outstanding Achievement Scholarship is available for the 2015-2016 academic year. Students who have overcome adversity, demonstrated financial need, and have attributes of merit, including significant personal achievements, superior academic performance, and exemplary community service are eligible for this award.

The CSU Trustees Award will be available for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) students, an Information Technology student, engineers, a veteran, a student who gives the most to his/her home, university, or global community, students studying the humanities, and students studying to become teachers.

Scholarships will be awarded in the amount of $6,000 for the 2015-2016 academic year.

Applicant must:
Demonstrate superior academic performance with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale and be in good academic standing.
Demonstrate financial need as determined by the campus Financial Aid and Scholarships office.
Be currently enrolled as a full-time equivalent undergrad or graduate student in any major field at a CSU campus and remain a CSU full-time equivalent student during the upcoming academic year.

Application Deadline: Friday, April 3, 2015

Informed Patient: Changing the Sedation Status Quo in the ICU

Summary: Prolonged sedation and paralytic therapy has negative effects on  patients. One of the negative effects is delirium which is associated with hallucinations and nightmares. This delirium leads to devastating and long lasting effects on cognitive function. Several studies have identified positive effects by attempting wean patients off of stronger medications to milder ones that provide the same benefit and getting them ambulating earlier even if its a few steps.Pros for changing sedation methods: Reduce delirium, reduces depression, reduces anxiety, and reduces muscle wasting. Cons: Risk of self injury by pulling out ET tube, tracheotomy tube, and/or, IV lines.

Agree Or Disagree? :  I agree with this article. Especially, after watching the video of the patient in the ICU’s personal account of his ordeal. I am sure in his case this wasn’t an option since his case was so severe. I feel the positive effects out weigh the possible negative outcomes.