What Promotes Wisdom in 12-Step Recovery?

Research investigations on twelve-step groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA) have addressed a number of resources associated with 12-step recovery. However, little is known about the role of wisdom, and whether aspects of 12-step participation might increase this resource among 12-step members. An exploratory analysis revealed that participants who reported having a "spiritual awakening" and considered themselves "members" of 12-step groups reported significantly higher levels of wisdom.

Predictors of HIV-risk sexual behavior: examining lifetime sexual and physical abuse histories in relation to substance use and psychiatric problem severity among ex-offenders.

Background: Lifetime histories of sexual and physical abuse have been associated with increased HIV-risk sexual behavior, and some studies have identified other variables associated with these relationships. However, there is a dearth of literature that has critically examined abuse histories and HIV-risk sexual behavior in relation to these other variables.

Objectives: Predictors of HIV-risk sexual behavior were analyzed among a sample of ex-offenders who were completing inpatient substance dependence treatment to identify factors related to increases in HIV-risk sexual behavior beyond that of abuse histories.

Categorical 12-step involvement and continuous abstinence at 2 years.

A longitudinal analysis of 12-step involvement was conducted among a U.S. sample of patients exiting treatment for substance dependence.

Gambling Behaviors Among Oxford House Residents: A Preliminary Investigation.

The present study investigated the prevalence of gambling behaviors among 71 individuals recovering from substance-dependent disorders and living in self-run recovery homes (Oxford Houses). Residents were given the South Oaks Gambling Screen to assess gambling behaviors and pathological gambling, and 19.7% of the sample was identified as having probable pathological gambling.

12-Step involvement among a U.S. national sample of Oxford House residents.

A longitudinal analysis was conducted among a U.S. national sample of persons affiliated with Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous living in self-run recovery homes (Oxford Houses).

Preventing lawsuits by noting and acting on key aspects in a patient's condition.

Nurses are often concerned about committing a wrong action that will result in a lawsuit. In reality, it is often omissions, failing to consistently and thoroughly perform the basic acts of nursing, that result in lawsuits. These include timely adequate assessments, following up on test or treatment results, and persistently notifying someone (up the chain of command, as necessary) when there is a significant abnormality.

Negotiation in the workplace.

Good negotiation reaps its own rewards. Participants have better buy-in and morale because they are part of the process, rather than just being told about the resulting situations. Being able to negotiate skillfully improves with practice, just like any other skill.

Negotiation in the workplace.

In the recently released American movie, Bruce Almighty, actor Jim Carey is temporarily granted godlike powers to control situations and outcomes. While an obviously artificial premise, who hasn't had a similar fantasy at least once? Life would be so much easier if everyone would just perceive the brilliance of our opinions and do what we wish.

Triaging: common complaints in the workplace.

Occupational health nurses regularly encounter clients with benign, common complaints. However, the mundane nature should not detract from the need for careful evaluation and guidance. Obtaining a comprehensive history and making key assessments help guide the occupational health nurse to properly manage the client's complaint.

Assessment of abdominal pain in school-age children.

Pediatric abdominal pain can be a difficult condition to accurately assess for the nurse to determine whether the child's need is for teaching, treating, or transferring. This article describes the process as well as practical tips to be used by the nurse in the school setting. Distinguishing characteristics and findings, including key physical assessments, of some of the most frequent or most important conditions are described.

Improving employee communication in the clinical setting. A nurse's perspective.

1. Integrating public relations techniques with clinical competence promotes employee satisfaction (and appreciation). 2.

Managing your paperwork.

The possibilities for better handling of the career's necessary paperwork are endless. The important first step is a commitment to improve, one habit or aspect at a time. Change is not easy, but your time is worth it.

Managing your paperwork.

Have you heard the joke that organised people are just too lazy to hunt for things? It is told by the same individuals who frequently think, 'I know I have the information somewhere, but where?' If this sounds like you, you are not alone. In one survey, 70 per cent indicated feeling overwhelmed by the volume of their paperwork ( Olian 2002 ). And 95 per cent of those surveyed desire to manage their paperwork more efficiently ( Hemphill 1998 ).