Anicas, Mercedes Palo

Abstract:The Stimulation Therapeutic Activity Center (STAC) is where the Breaking Barriers for Children (BBC) project provides free comprehensive rehabilitation, pre-school education, and stimulation activities to its beneficiaries. This study was conducted during the Calendar Year 2014 to 2015 to determine the impact of the STAC in Santo Domingo, Ilocos Sur from Calendar Years 2008-2014. It utilized ten implementers and 123 mothers/caregivers of children with special needs. The study employed the descriptive correlational method of research. The main instrument is a questionnaire augmented with documentary analysis. The statistical tools used to treat and interpret the data gathered were the frequency and percentage, mean and trend analysis. The study revealed the following: 1) Out of the 123 numbers of intake, seven transferred to another place, nine died and 59 had improved condition; 2) Of the 59 who had improved condition, a substantial percentage suffered from physical disability especially cerebral palsy who can now walk without assistance, do functional activities like rolling, creeping, head and trunk control, crawling, reaching, grasping and releasing and the least suffered from cognitive disabilities specifically down syndrome who can now copy words and phrases and needs minimal assistance in functional independence measure like eating, bathing, drawing and toileting; 3) All the children with special needs regardless of condition are continuously receiving the services of the STAC. The SPED teacher takes care of all those who can walk without assistance

Keywords:Therapeutic Activity Center

Abstract:This study explored and described the work environment of Ilocano nurses in the academe. A qualitative research design using descriptive phenomenology was employed to explore the work environment of Ilocano Nurses working in the academe. The study included seven (7) participants, and data were gathered using semi-structured individual in-depth interviews. Data analysis was done utilizing the HyperResearch software. Four central themes and nine subthemes emerged from this study, exploring the work environment of Ilocano Nurses working in the academe. These four main themes include: (1) satisfaction, (2) work attitude, (3) secured environment, and (4) moving ahead. These central themes were the conceptual representations of the environment, attitudes, and steps taken towards progress working as a nurse academician. As every nurse academician shared their unique stories, this study found that working as a nurse academician entails so much passion, dedication, and a positive attitude to succeed in their teaching career. Happiness and satisfaction were evident in their narratives. Also, working in the academe has helped them grow personally and professionally. Furthermore, a good working relationship and attitude toward supervisors and workmates are the keys to rising above the challenges of working in the academe. The study recommends possible ways to build a stronger foundation and quality education, to help nurse academicians grow professionally, improve effective teaching styles, and help increase their work morale. The following recommendations are offered as possible ways to improve this study: a)The University and College should provide continues faculty development programs to build a stronger foundation and quality education; b)The College should organize and initiate activities to strengthen the faculty relationship; c)The University and College should work together to improve the internet connectivity needed for online learning; d)Nurse educators should maintain and improve effective teaching styles to produce equally knowledgeable and skilled student nurses; and, e)Work on a new system of incentives, increasing interest in incentives and encouraging nurse educators to innovate in work and appreciate their efforts to provide moral rewards for outstanding employees.

Keywords:Work environment, academe, satisfaction, growth, development