The Role of Advance Practice Nursing Essay Example

The Role of Advance Practice Nursing Paper Throughout history nursing has been defined in many ways. In recent years the field of advance practice nursing has emerged as nurses are taking on more challenging and comprehensive roles within the health care field. One may define an advance practice nurse in many ways. According to the Department of Regulation and Licensing in Wisconsin, and advanced practice nurse is a registered nurse with the following credentials: (1) holds a professional nursing license within the state, (2) is certified by a national certifying authority as a nurse practitioners, registered nurse anesthetist, clinical nurse specialist or other nursing specialist and (3) a registered nurse who holds a graduate degree by an accredited university (DRL, 2004). This definition is fairly standard among most other nursing institutions. In most cases advanced practice nurses may not prescribe medications, though there is now a certification APNs can get that allow them to prescribe medications in certain instances. According to the American Nurses Association and advanced practice nurse or APN is an umbrella term given to a registered nurse (RN) who has met advanced educational and clinical practice requirements (ANA, 2005). We will write a custom essay sample on The Role of Advance Practice Nursing specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on The Role of Advance Practice Nursing specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on The Role of Advance Practice Nursing specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer An APN therefore generally has more than 2-4 years of basic nursing education (ANA, 2005). An APN is expected to carry out more autonomous responsibilities than a traditional RN, including diagnosis and treatment of patients in many instances. One may conclude from these two comparisons then that an APN is a highly specialized nurse with advanced skills in diagnosis and treatment of disease among other things. Role of APN APNs come in many forms and their roles change significantly depending on their specialty or key area of practice. The more common specialties or fields a nurse takes on include nurse practitioners (NP), Certified Nurse Midwifes (CNM), Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNS) and Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNA) (ANA, 2005). The role of an APN varies according to their specialty, however most provide a multitude of services for patients in employment settings, clinical care settings, retirement communities, hospitals and even schools (ANA, 2005). Because most people are familiar with the term nurse practitioner or NP, well examine the role of a NP more closely. Recommended Reading   Nursing Practice A NP usually works within a clinical setting, private office, and hospital or in a nursing home (ANA, 2005). Many are specialized in a specific field like pediatrics or obstetrics. NPs conduct a variety of medical care tasks, which may include diagnosis, comprehensive medical histories, physical examinations, interpretation of labs or X-rays and patient education (ANA, 2005). Nurse Midwives on the other hand provide gynecologic and obstetric care for women including prenatal care and labor and delivery care (ANA, 2005). Certified nurse midwifes represent one of the fastest growing areas of APN practice in recent years (ANA, 2005). The role of the APN also includes psychological support for patients and their family members. Nurses generally engage in much more intimate relationships with patients in many situations than primary care providers or physicians. They often have the opportunity to talk more to patients about their histories, current environment, lifestyle and needs, wants and desires with regard to health care practices (Lumby, 2004). This intimate bond opens many avenues for support and growth within the healthcare profession as nurses begin realizing new ways of meeting patient needs and offering the highest possible level of quality care. Lumby (2004) suggests that the term advance practice nurse or even nurse practitioner is one that is controversial at bet because the term practitioner specifically has usually been reserved for doctors. The author also points out that all nurses are practitioners of nursing regardless of their skills or expertise (Lumby, 40). The author challenges the profession of nursing to focus on key issues, which she defines as developing the capacity to research and articulate the evolution going on within the profession (Lumby, 41). Among the current issues facing advance practice nurses and the nursing profession in general include finding methods to delivery consumer focused quality health services and shift individuals way of thinking from a provider driven system to a consumer driven system that enables consumers to make informed choices regarding their healthcare (Lumby, 41). Issues and Discussion of Advance Practice Nursing Lumby makes a good point. It is not nearly as important to define an advance practice nurse as it is to define what techniques, methods and practices nurses will need to adopt in the future to drive health care in a consumer oriented direction. The health care industry has long faced many crises none the least of which is providing adequate health care to an increasingly diverse population. Advanced practice nurses, with additional training and more specialized care, are interacting even more than RNs with patients on a daily basis. They are playing key roles in the health outcomes of patients in the short and long term in many instances. Many APN are also making decisions that ultimately will affect a patients long-term health and well-being. It is important as Lumby points out that APNs focus their attention on enabling or empowering consumers to make independent choices regarding their health care. Consumers want to feel they are taking an active role in the decision making process when it comes to their health and well being. APNs can help facilitate this process by informing patients and apprising them of their choices in a health care setting. Much like a physician most APN conduct autonomous decisions when diagnosing and treating complex symptoms in patients. APNs must not only be clinically skilled at diagnosing and assessing but also integrate important skills such as education, communication and leadership and brings these factors into the patient nurse relationship. The role of the APN will likely continue to change with time as the health care standards within the nation and across the globe continue to change. New roles and specialties within the field of advance practice nursing will also emerge as healthcare evolves and changes in the upcoming years. Hopefully these changes will ultimately result in better health care services and better defined roles for both caregivers and patients in a healthcare setting. In addition APNs will likely continue to face ongoing challenges in the healthcare arena, including challenges presented by working under a managed care system that doesnt afford equal access to health care to all people in the states. APNs should continue to collaborate closely not only with colleagues and physicians but also with members of the community and patients to broaden their experience and develop new methods for meeting consumers needs in as Lumby calls it, an increasingly consumer driven practice. Bibliography : ANA. Advanced practice nursing: A new age in health care. 1997 American Nurses Association. 23 Sept 2005: http://www. nursingworld. org/readroom/fsadvprc. htm DRL. (2004 Jan). DRL Advanced Practice Nurse Prescriber. January 8, 2004. Wisconsin Department of Regulation and Licensing. 24, Sept 2005: http://drl. wi. gov/prof/nura/def. htm Lumby, J. (2000). Clinical challenges: Focus on nursing. St. Lenoards, Allen ; Unwin.

Rural Poverty in Indonesia

Rural Poverty in Indonesia Introduction In spite of the recent occurrence of global economic recession, the economy of Indonesia has been going on growing at a steady rate, making the country to be classified among the middle-class countries.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on Rural Poverty in Indonesia specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Due to Indonesia realizing constant economic growth, there has been a steady decrease in the overall poverty level in the country: the level has dropped from 17%, witnessed in the year 2004, to about 12.5% in the year 2011 (IFAD 1). However, even if Indonesia has realized a reduction in the overall poverty level, the poor people, especially those living in the rural areas in this country, are currently worse off and the gap between the wealthy people and the poor is getting wider and wider (IFAD 1). In this paper, I am going to support my viewpoint that; despite Indonesia realizing substantial economic gro wth, rural poverty in the country remains to be a big problem that needs to be addressed with urgent need. The conclusion section of the paper will present a summary of discussion. Rural Poverty in Indonesia Suryahadi and Hadiwidjaja point out the idea that Indonesia’s power to bring down the level of poverty became stronger after the occurrence of the Asian financial crisis (Suryahadi and Hadiwidjaja 20). However, they also offer an explanation that there is a slower rate of poverty reduction among the rural poor (Suryahadi and Hadiwidjaja 20). They point out that the growth of Indonesia’s economy does not benefit individuals who need to be greatly attended to (Suryahadi and Hadiwidjaja 20). As on one hand a larger number of people living in poverty are found in the rural areas, on the other hand, there exists â€Å"a division in which the pace of poverty reduction slows down in rural areas and speeds up in urban areas after the crisis† (Suryahadi and Hadiwidja ja 20). Moreover, these researchers observe that, the contribution made by the â€Å"urban services sector growth†, which is found to be very much effectual in poverty reduction, reduced for the rural regions after the occurrence of the Asian financial crisis (Suryahadi and Hadiwidjaja 20).Advertising Looking for research paper on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Following this, the impact of the â€Å"urban services sector† is not currently felt in the rural areas in the same way it used to be before the occurrence of the Asian financial crisis. As a result, it is not a big surprise that the overall rate of reduction of poverty level in Indonesia decreases (Suryahadi and Hadiwidjaja 20). Approximately fifty percent of the Indonesian population lives only slightly above the poverty line (IFAD 1). This population that is near to poverty is prone to such unfavorable conditions as incre ases in the food prices, poor health, natural calamities among other factors, which can easily take them back to poverty (Hasan, Rana and Quibria 261). In spite of the country taking appropriate measures, in the recent times, to bring improvements in the health as well as education sectors, the quality of health care and public services cannot measure up to the same standards as those of other middle-income nations but remains behind (Loayza and Raddatz 141). It is also reported that high levels of undernourishment among the young kids, higher levels of deaths among mothers, lack of clean drinking water and poor quality of education for children, are found to be the most common problems affecting the poor people living in rural areas in Indonesia (IFAD 1). An example of a fluctuation in food prices causing an increase in the poverty levels among the near-poor people can be given of a situation that occurred during the years 2005 and 2006. During that time, the Indonesian government banned imports and this led to an increase in domestic rice price (Suryahadi, Hadiwidjaja and Sumarto 7). This was considered by a number of researchers as being among the main causes of the increase in the poverty levels (McCulloch 45; Warr 14; World Bank 1). It is pointed out that, even if there was introducing of â€Å"the UCT and an expansion of Raskin benefits around the same time, near poor households were unable to cope with the rising price of their single most important consumption good† (Suryahadi, Hadiwidjaja and Sumarto 7). About 70% of the total number of the people in Indonesia lives in the rural areas and their major source of income is farming (IFAD 1). Research shows that poverty in these rural areas is on the increase and it has been reported that about 16.5% of the people in the rural areas live in poverty as compared to about 9.9% of those who live in urban areas (IFAD 1).Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on Rural Poverty in Indonesia specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Wetterberg, Sumarto and Pritchett point out that in Indonesia, the difference in the rates of poverty in the urban and rural areas always stands at above 6%, apart from the case of the year 1998, in the course of the Asian financial crisis which adversely affected the people living in the urban centers more than those living in the rural areas (Wetterberg, Sumarto and Pritchett 145). A very large number of small-scale farmers are not able to capitalize on the available opportunities that economic growth offers (IFAD 1). The farmers are mostly not in a position to have access to the financial and agricultural extension services and they also do not have good and reliable markets for their farm products (IFAD 1). Moreover, production of food by the rural population greatly puts focus on satisfying the subsistence needs (de Janvry and Sadoulet 13). Even if this country engages in the production of the crops that have a high market value such coffee, cloves and cocoa among others, the government has not invested much in the processing, marketing and management systems which are required in the expansion of production and â€Å"take full advantage of this demand† (de Janvry and Sadoulet 13). Poverty in Indonesia is more prevalent in the isolated eastern islands than other areas and in this region, about 95% of the people in the rural areas live in poverty (IFAD 1). In most parts of this region, people engage in subsistence farming. The native people that have always been marginalized and have not been able to benefit from the development programs put in place by the government are in these areas. The areas in the coastal region have been environmentally degraded and the villages can only be accessed with much difficulty. People living in these areas find that the only way they can overcome the problem of poverty is to migrate to the urban areas (IFAD 1). Some research findin gs have shown that migration to urban areas from the rural areas plays a big role in poverty reduction.Advertising Looking for research paper on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More For instance, Abuzar Asra, following his research on poverty levels among the people who live in urban areas and rural areas, found out that in the period between 1987 and 1996, there was significant decline in poverty levels as a result of rural to urban migration in Indonesia (Asra 1). Moreover, the women, especially those living in rural areas in Indonesia, are very susceptible to poverty. They have limited access to quality education, receive less pay as compared to men and they are often discriminated against in their communities as well as their households and may be excluded in decision making (Miranti 80). Conclusion The argument in this paper has been that: despite Indonesia realizing substantial economic growth, rural poverty in the country remains to be a big problem that needs to be addressed with urgent need. It has been found out that the country became even stronger in working towards bringing down the level of poverty after the recent Asian financial crisis. However, poverty reduction has been found to be slower in the rural population than in the urban one. Over 70% of Indonesians live in rural areas and basically depend on agriculture for their livelihood. But there is no adequate government support for agricultural production and marketing and the people who live in the rural areas mainly focus on subsistence farming. In addition, women and people living in remote areas have been marginalized and discriminated against and they do not have sufficient access to the government services. Moreover, the people in rural areas in Indonesia are also vulnerable to some unfavorable conditions such as changing food prices and poor health conditions among others. Such conditions may not make it possible for these people to evade poverty completely. It is important that the Indonesian government take necessary measures to ensure all its people receive equal benefits from the economic growth that is being realized by the country. Asra, Abuzar. Urban-rural differences in costs of living and their impact on poverty measures. n.d. Web. de Janvry, Alain and Sadoulet Elisabeth. â€Å"Agricultural Growth and Poverty Reduction: Additional Evidence.† World Bank Research Observer 9.25 (2009): 1-20. Print. Hasan, Rana and Quibria George. â€Å"Industry Matters for Poverty: A Critique of Agricultural Fundamentalism.† Kyklos, 57.2 (2004): 253-64. Print. IFAD. Rural poverty in Indonesia, 2012. Web. Loayza, Norman and Raddatz Claudio. â€Å"The Composition of Growth Matters for Poverty Alleviation.† Journal of Development Economics 93.1 (2010): 137-151. Print. McCulloch, Neil. â€Å"Rice prices and poverty in Indonesia.† Bulletin of Indonesian Economic Studies 44.1(2008): 45-63. Print. Miranti, Riyana. â€Å"Poverty in Indonesia 1984-2002: The Impact of Growth and Changes in Inequality.† Bulletin of Indonesian Economic Studies 46.1 (2010): 79-97. Print. Suryahadi, Asep and Hadiwidjaja Gracia 2011, The role of ag riculture in poverty a Poverty, food prices and economic growth in Southeast Asian perspective. Singapore: Institute of Southeast Asian Studies, 2011. Print. Wetterberg, Anna, Sumarto Sudarno and Pritchett Lant. â€Å"A national snapshot of the social impact of Indonesia’s.† Bulletin of Indonesian Economic Studies 35.3(1999): 145-152. Print. World Bank. Managing through a global downturn: East Asia Update. Washington DC: World Bank East Asia and Pacific Region, 2006. Print.

Air Forces Northern incident awareness and assessment playbook Essay Example for Free

Air Forces Northern incident awareness and assessment playbook Essay Science (824) , Play (788) company About StudyMoose Contact Careers Help Center Donate a Paper Legal Terms & Conditions Privacy Policy Complaints ?   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The United States Northern Command (USNORTHCOM) is the combatant command that is responsible for security and defense. They conduct Defense of the Civil authorities through providing capabilities to the DOD, Department of Defense from their land, air and sea components in support of the leading federal policies geared towards responding to any homeland security threat.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Among the capabilities that the DOD brings to their operations is the ISR and IAA. There is no difference between these two terms only that the term IAA has just been coined by the USNORTHCOM to denote the application of ISR when it is applied domestically to support the homeland security. The ISR operation mainly consist of flying both manned and unmanned platforms which are set to revolve over the battle field top provide a clear picture of the situation underneath. During the wartime, this picture could include the location of roads and deposition of the enemy and also the information that may be required so as to target the enemy. ISR provides a clear picture of situational awareness that could not only be used strategically to gain the full picture but also tactically to gather intelligence information that are useful in engaging individual targets. The situation awareness that is provided by the IAA/ ISR becomes a significant force multiplier which the commanders have been known to highly rely on.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   There are many obstacles to realizing full potential for the ISR in homeland security. Currently there is statutory, doctrine, ethical and policy obstacles that exist to prevent ISR from reaching their full capacity for the homeland security provision.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Improved doctrines will see the department of Defense improve their ability to deliver IAA capabilities to the local, tribal, state and also the federal entities. The consumers all over the country and also the whole world will benefit from improved IAA capabilities.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The most significant ethical issues come secondarily where IAA capabilities are employed domestically. This is because it is known that all the American citizens enjoy freedoms of privacy, expression and they expect this to be fundamental and be respected in the best way possible. The American citizens highly value their freedoms and hence loath ideas that seem to threaten their constitutional protection.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   In publicizing the use and purpose of IAA, I think there is a big ethical consideration in it because the citizens will get to know the function of IAA and how they function. They will not think that their freedoms are being infringed on but know that this is a military operation and that is how they are and should be carried hence in so doing, there will be no blame game between the government and the citizens. USAF. (2007). Air Force doctrine document 2-9; Intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance operations. Washington, D.C.: United States Air Force. Air Forces Northern. (2010). Air Forces Northern incident awareness and assessment playbook. Tyndall AFB, FL: USAF. USNORTHCOM Public Affairs. (2008, September 18). Hurricane response.

What is Wrong With the Dream Act Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

What is Wrong With the Dream Act - Essay Example On the positive side, the Act perhaps advances national security because it provides a wider field for eligibility of military service. In addition, illegal immigrants have an opportunity to become lawful permanent residents, and in time citizens. It is an exaggeration of the benefits of the policy because it disregards trifling issues that may arise later in its enactment. Depressingly, it affects immigration policies and the entire immigration system, besides being a costly process (Sands 642). It is virtually impossible to swear an oath for the United States when one is still theoretically a citizen of another country, in case the unlawful immigrants serve in the military. The DREAM Act affects the immigration system because lawful immigrant would face discrimination in enjoying invaluable benefits of being a citizen. It is bigoted because lawful immigrants take three years to gain citizenship wile unlawful immigrant only need two years to acquire citizenship. This promotes unlawful immigration and destabilizes the immigration system. The Act benefits only a small population, which will enjoy education and work opportunities, while undermining the efforts of a vast majority of lawful immigrants and American citizens who are

Asian Tourism Abstract Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Asian Tourism Abstract - Essay Example n of exterior promotional and publicity activities; systematize and inculcate training and education; and endorse international tourism communication and corporation. In addition, CNTA is responsible for normalization of the tourism market order, and offer supervision and management of quality; and organize the survey, planning, growth and fortification tourist resources. The organization is part of China’s government and is a Chinese government authority obliged to tourism development, and a subordinate to the state council headquartered in Beijing. Although it is an institution affiliated to CNTA the government, CNTA does not have any authority to act as a full Chinese government department hence it has no authority for regulation enforcement although it acts as an independent ministry on some instances. The institution is funded by the central Chinese government and but uses promotional and marketing activities to get additional funds beyond what is provided by the government. Promotional budget for tourism by the Chinese government is limited and for years, this amount remains low compared to nations like Korea, Singapore, and Malysia. It is for limited budgeting that the Chinese government CNTA to depend on other income sources like local government that comprise of social investment and Tourism Development Fund. The financing of the Tourism development Fund is by the collection of an inbound airport construction fee of CNY 20 for each person. In order to monitor the spending of CNTA funds, the Ministry of Finance has founded a budget enforcement live monitoring system and a budget spending performance evaluation. In addition, CNTA and the finance ministry are exploring to develop Tourism Satellite Account and evaluate government revenue estimates obtained from tourism to evaluat e the largely contribution of tourism to Chinese social development and government national economy (Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development 292). According to Airey

Hey I Would Like to Smoke Weed Essay Example for Free

Hey I Would Like to Smoke Weed Essay Opinion essays are discursive essays in which we present our personal opinion on a particular topic. They are normally written in a formal style. An opinion essay consists of: * an introduction in which we introduce the topic and state our opinion clearly. * a main body which consists of two or more paragraphs, each presenting a separate viewpoint supported by reasons/examples. We can include a paragraph giving the opposing viewpoint supported by reasons/examples. * a conclusion in which we restate our opinion using different words. We start each main-body paragraph with an appropriate topic sentence that states the main idea of the paragraph. Each topic sentence is followed by supporting sentences that further explain the main idea of the paragraph. We use present tenses in this type of essay. We also use appropriate linking words and phrases to join your ideas. To list viewpoints: To start with, Firstly, In the first place, In addition, Besides, Furthermore, Moreover, Also, etc. To introduce supporting sentences (examples): for example, for instance, in particular, such as/like, etc. To introduce opposing ideas: On the other hand, However, etc. To conclude: All in all, Lastly, Taking everything into account, To sum up, All things considered, etc. Formal style is characterized by: * formal expressions, advanced vocabulary, longer sentences, e.g.: First-time buyers need to consider their financial circumstances carefully before committing to a mortgage. * Formal linking words/phrases, e.g.: Moreover, steps should be taken to †¦ * No use of short forms, e.g.: There is always something†¦ (NOT: There’s always something†¦) * Impersonal tone i.e. use of the passive, e.g.: Tenants are required to contribute towards the upkeep of the garden.

Alaska Drillings :: essays papers

Alaska Drillings Drilling for oil in Alaska’s Arctic Wildlife refuge will not solve our nation’s energy crisis, but it will destroy one of the worlds most unique animal habitats. The Arctic National Wildlife Refuge would satisfy only six months' worth of the nation's oil needs while oil drilling would "destroy" a wilderness that is home to the 150,000 animals of the Porcupine animal group. Our nations natural refuges should not be turned to destruction when a solution to a problem can be found else where. In addition to not being economically productive, drilling for oil will do nothing to help energy shortages experienced throughout the United States, while still destroying one of the only habitats of its kind in the world. Despite common thought, the Alaskan refuge is not a snow covered desert. It is important to what exactly would be destroyed if the United States decides to drill for oil. The Arctic Refuge is among the most complete and undisturbed ecosystems on earth. The Arctic Refuge contains an impressive variety of arctic wildlife. The rich variety of wildlife found within the Refuge includes more than 160 bird species, 36 kinds of land mammals, 9 marine mammal species, and 36 types of fish. The reality is that opening the Arctic refuge to drilling will accomplish little except destroying one of the last pure preserves of its kind in the world. Another reason why it would be unwise to drill is because it is just not cost efficient. For the oil industry to invest, the Refuge must hold a lot of oil, and the oil must sell for a high enough price for long enough to recover costs and earn profits. We need to think of a solution that will affect us today and will alleviate our problems. In exchange for this short-term return, we would have to pay a very high long-term price, threatening one of the planet's most unique animal and plant habitats. Scientific analyses by the US Fish & Wildlife Service have concluded that drilling would severely harm the refuge's abundant populations of caribou, polar bears, musk oxen, and snow geese. Alaska Drillings :: essays papers Alaska Drillings Drilling for oil in Alaska’s Arctic Wildlife refuge will not solve our nation’s energy crisis, but it will destroy one of the worlds most unique animal habitats. The Arctic National Wildlife Refuge would satisfy only six months' worth of the nation's oil needs while oil drilling would "destroy" a wilderness that is home to the 150,000 animals of the Porcupine animal group. Our nations natural refuges should not be turned to destruction when a solution to a problem can be found else where. In addition to not being economically productive, drilling for oil will do nothing to help energy shortages experienced throughout the United States, while still destroying one of the only habitats of its kind in the world. Despite common thought, the Alaskan refuge is not a snow covered desert. It is important to what exactly would be destroyed if the United States decides to drill for oil. The Arctic Refuge is among the most complete and undisturbed ecosystems on earth. The Arctic Refuge contains an impressive variety of arctic wildlife. The rich variety of wildlife found within the Refuge includes more than 160 bird species, 36 kinds of land mammals, 9 marine mammal species, and 36 types of fish. The reality is that opening the Arctic refuge to drilling will accomplish little except destroying one of the last pure preserves of its kind in the world. Another reason why it would be unwise to drill is because it is just not cost efficient. For the oil industry to invest, the Refuge must hold a lot of oil, and the oil must sell for a high enough price for long enough to recover costs and earn profits. We need to think of a solution that will affect us today and will alleviate our problems. In exchange for this short-term return, we would have to pay a very high long-term price, threatening one of the planet's most unique animal and plant habitats. Scientific analyses by the US Fish & Wildlife Service have concluded that drilling would severely harm the refuge's abundant populations of caribou, polar bears, musk oxen, and snow geese.