Tensions in Relationships the Dialectical Perspective Essays

Tensions in Relationships the Dialectical Perspective Essays Tensions in Relationships the Dialectical Perspective Paper Tensions in Relationships the Dialectical Perspective Paper The Dialectical Perspective Name Fundamentals of Speech Professor Date The relational dialectics perspective is useful for understanding the ups and downs and sometimes illogical nature of interpersonal relationships. Developed by communication scholars Leslie Baxter, Barbara Montgomery and their colleagues, the dialectical perspective assumes that relationships keep changing. They are not maintained, but rather sustained through changing statuses. There are three sets of tensions that are common in relationships: integration-separation; stability-change; and expression-privacy. The first dialectic identified is integration – separation, more commonly known as autonomy versus connection. This is the tension in a relationship where either partner desires to be independent but also connected. The desire for different levels of autonomy and connection can generate friction in relationships. In the initial phase of the relationship we are like actors in a play trying to please the audience. But we cannot repress who we are for too long. Eventually we have to let our true selves show. An example of this is when a couple is in the beginning stages of the relationship, they are spending all of their time together and all is going fine. As time goes along either partner wants to start doing things independently. He/she wants to hang out with friends and have â€Å"alone time†. This can create tension in the relationship because the partner might not want to be left out. It is very common for the relationship to become strained at this point. It is a contrast from spending great amounts of time together; and either partner can feel betrayed. A solution for this would be for the couple to have an open discussion about the amount of time that they are willing and/or able to devote to each other on a daily basis. In a bonded relationship, both partners must be direct and honest about their expectations and needs. Other examples might be one partner likes to watch football all the time and can be consumed in it and the other hates sports. There needs to be a compromise made so that both partners get equal time at doing what they like to do while enjoying time with each other. Or, one relational partner is a social butterfly and the other is a social hermit. The point is that we do tend to get together with partners who will test our patience and force us to grow through finding ways to co-exist and resolving problems. The second dialectic identified is stability – change, more commonly known as predictability versus novelty. This refers to the tension in a relationship where either party of the relationship wants the stability of a relationship but at the same time wants to be able to enjoy spontaneity. The tension of predictability versus novelty can present itself in a couple of ways. First, many couples struggle to balance the tension between their need for stability and their desire for excitement. Getting tired of doing the â€Å"same old thing† is always going to be an issue in any relationship. Individuals that are involved in a developing relationship become comfortable with knowing what is going to happen next. However, always knowing what is going to happen next can become extremely boring. What can we do to spice up a relationship? We could easily change the routine a little bit. Do something that you don’t normally do together. If you normally don’t go out on dates – then go out on a date. If you normally don’t buy each other gifts – then buy a small gift every once in a while. If you normally don’t vacation – take a vacation together. Now, let us look at the relationship that is always unpredictable. These relationships are just as likely to be in trouble as the predictable ones. As a couple you also need to have stability in your life. What if you never knew where your relationship was headed? Being able to predict the status of your relationship is a good thing. Whichever relationship you have, working towards a healthy balance between predictability and novelty will help to maintain a healthy relationship. Second, in a new relationship, a relational partner will tend to overlook little nuances in the other partner. They will focus on the positive points about each other and look past the behaviors that they don’t like about each other. After time, we have difficulty accepting our partner’s flaws and will try to change them. Think about it this way – Am I acceptable the way I am? For every one thing that we would like to change about our partner, they equally have something that they would like to change about us. We need to learn that we cannot change people. But what we can change is our viewpoint. By changing our viewpoints, we can transform the way we see relationships. The third dialectic identified is expression – privacy, more commonly known as openness versus closedness. This refers to the tensions in a relationship where one party wants to be completely open and share everything with their partner while on the other hand the other partner feels that they should be able to keep some things private and to their selves. If two people in a relationship are different on this count, they will need to work hard and be proactive to manage this tension or this can become a deal breaker. The primary reason that two people in a relationship can’t get along is because of the past. As couples we need to learn to leave the past in the past and move forward into the present. Stay in the present; don’t start a new relationship dragging relational baggage into the new situation. Some people feel that they need to open up to their partner about every aspect of their lives. This is how they signify trust and become one entity; the couple. Others can feel that if they open up too much or reveal too much they may be judged or abandoned. This type of person feels that each person has a right to a certain degree of privacy, therefore, retaining some of his or her individuality. The goal here is to attain some sort of balance and avoid disagreements. These needs should be addressed in a normal tone of voice, without being demeaning or accusatory. In closing, what have we learned? We have learned that these three relational dialectics are simply put, communication. Poor communication is often the root of relationship problems. Neither partner can read the other partner’s mind, so without communication there is no hope for a harmonious relationship. Without communicating, you cannot make fair and balanced agreements about what does and does not work for both of you. Beebe, Steven A. , Susan J. Beebe and Diana K. Ivy. Communication Principles For A Lifetime. Boston: Allyn amp; Bacon, 2010. Jennie. Jens Love Lessons. 2011. 05 March 2012 lt;www. jenslovelessons. comgt;. Sutphen, Dick and Carol Morgan. Radical Relationship Resource. n. d. 03 March 2012 lt; radical-relationship-resource. com/index. phpgt;.

10 High Paying Jobs Where You Can Help People

10 High Paying Jobs Where You Can Help People Want to help people, but still afford the life you want? It doesn’t have to be all or nothing. It is possible to wake up in the morning, go to work knowing you believe in what you do, and make a livable wage. Here are 10  options that allow you to help people, make a difference in the world, and also make good money.1. Nonprofit Executive DirectorYou’ll have to work your way up from a lower rung (unless you have qualifications and skills from another sector that can transition to this executive role), but it can be worth the work. It’s hard to keep a company running with nothing but grants and donations, but the rewards are high. Median annual pay: over $55k.2. Registered Occupational TherapistYou’ll need an M.A. and to pass a licensing exam, but then your job will consist with helping people recover from injuries, which can be incredibly gratifying. Median annual pay: nearly $70k.3. Development DirectorAgain, look toward the non-profit sector. On your w ay to the executive rung, you could be in charge of securing the funds that keep your nonprofit running. You’ll need a B.A. and some background or passion for the relevant field, plus management skills. Median annual pay: $59k.4. Foundation Program OfficerYou’ll need a B.A., but it can be very meaningful to help decide which proposals or programs get funds from a foundation. If you have good decision-making skills and a desire to make a difference, this could be great for you. Median annual pay: nearly $59k.5. Clinical Lab ScientistYou’ll need a Bachelor’s degree, plus licensing, and sometimes even graduate work. But after your initial work, you will be part of a team  helping doctors to identify cancerous cells or the root of diseases or infections. Median annual pay: over $76k.6. Grants ManagerHelp bring in money for a foundation or nonprofit. Choose the best grants to go after, make the proposals, and then make sure your organization complies with th e requirements. A B.A. is likely required. Median annual pay: nearly $53k.7. Registered NurseRegistered nurses need academic certification, which differs by program, and licensure, but they make some of the most meaningful difference in patients’ lives. Median annual pay: $57.5k8. Intelligence AnalystYou’ll definitely need a Bachelor’s degree, and possibly even foreign language experience, but this is absolutely an amazing job. Work to make the world safer! Median annual pay: nearly $73k.9. Education AdministratorIf you don’t  want to teach, but have great ideas and want to further the field of education, this is a gig to consider. Median annual pay: nearly $76k.10. Health Services ManagerDon’t want to be a doctor, but want to further health and the medical profession and really help people when they need it most? This could be a great opportunity for you. Median annual pay: $70.5k

Environmental chemical threat Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Environmental chemical threat - Essay Example Environmental chemical threat Methylmercury can be highly toxic to both human and animals. It is concerned hazardous since it can irritate or damage organs if ingested in amounts that can be considered to be dangerous for the human body. The main source of mercury is air emissions from power generation and other industrial and waste disposal activities, during its movement among the atmosphere , land, and water mercury undergoes a serious of complex chemical transformations. Thus methylmercury is an organic form that is derived from this transformation. As a result sea animals are readily in an environment conducive to ingesting or being exposed to methylmercury. It poses a grave environmental threat since it is not considered to be particularly harmful if ingested in low amounts, however several cases have begged to differ with this notion. Regardless of the ingestion amount found in food consumed that has toxic levels of methylmercury, it cannot be sufficiently be ruled out as a threat that without the needed a ttention could cause undue harm. Methylmercury builds up in the tissues of fish, larger and older fish tend to have the highest levels of mercury. One can gain exposure by eating fish or shellfish that has levels of methylmercury. This is important to note since as of the year 2005, the seafood consumption in America was 16.2 lbs. Some natural and synthetic chemicals in the environment can harm the human nervous system such as the brain, spinal cord and peripheral nerves. (Miller 243). Methylmercury is known to have caused adverse effects that later on proved to be permanent and this is within proven actual cases. To protect the population against a threat that can be so silent for a long period of time, yet so deadly is the duty of each and every environmentalist. Mercury emissions continue to rise in the environment and this can only mean that it is a growing real threat that should be dealt with accordingly. Women and children are the most vulnerable to methylmercury effects. A recent study by the National Academy of Science concluded that the population at highest risk is the children of women who consume large amounts of fish and seafood during pregnancy, and that the risk to that population is likely to be sufficient to result in an increase in the number of children who have struggle to keep up in school and who might require remedial classes or special education (EPA).Mackerel, sharks, swordfish, and tilefish have high levels of methylmercury. Thus this is a fact that every pregnant woman should be made aware of by their attending obstetrician. Developmental effects caused due to intake of methylmercury can cause cognitive development problems that would result in inadequate development of a child's brain. Methylmercury and metallic mercury vapors are more harmful than other forms, because mercury in these forms reaches the brain (ATSDR). This undoubtedly puts pregnant women at a higher risk of harming their children, and it is possible that seafood is the reason for the increasing number of children born with cognitive development problems. Exposure to high levels of metallic, inorganic or organic mercury can permanently damage the brain, kidneys and developing fetus (ATSDR). Thus the goal is not only to avoid these adverse effects , but to inform pregnant women of the potential risks involved if they ingest seafood. It is highly unlikely

Services and facilities offered by third party logistics provider Research Paper

Services and facilities offered by third party logistics provider - Research Paper Example In order to provide a complete supply chain, answers have to be able to take care of the length and breadth of data from outbound, inbound and reverse the processes (Changsen, Z., 2005). RCS Logistics is one of the providers of transport logistics. It has vehicles that range from articulated Lorries to small vehicles. Each is well maintained. The company has fully trained drivers who operate to the highest standard and ensure that customers get the best possible service. RCS Logistics transport services are: contract distribution, reverse logistics, double deck trailers, tail lifts, on line order entry and POD retrieval, Ad- hoc transport. RGF Logistics Limited has a reputation on giving high quality transport service to companies in the United Kingdom. They can provide modern vehicles, fully trained and informed driver. This is the same case as RCS Company. Unlike RCS, RGF Logistics has additional advantages. It delivers the goods within the same day or next day or within 72 hours depending on the customers need. It also distributes throughout UK and Europe. In the provision of warehousing services, all the four companies provide this service. Amethyst group is recognized as a leading company in offering warehousing and distribution services. It offers a specialist service to automotives and machinery, consumer durables and also in clothing fashion sectors. Store it all is another company that offers warehousing services. It offers a complete storage solution as it deals with storage of food stuffs, archiving and palletized storage. It can also receive orders as data downloads, through website integration, telephone, Email, PDF, excel, and other plat forms, data feed formats and layouts. Other services are: pick and pack, dispatch, returns handling, reporting, laser printed paperwork, packaging and print procurement. RGF Logistics have warehoused distribution services, which can cater for the needs of the customer. It has, designed warehouse

The Sons Veto Essay Example for Free

The Sons Veto Essay Compare aspects of prejudice in Roll Of Thunder, Hear My Cry, by Mildred Taylor, and, The Sons Veto, by Thomas Hardy. Prejudice: The act of prejudging a subject or group of subjects on the basis of opinions that are not grounded in fact or experience. Prejudice can be on the basis of race, religion, political view, age, appearance or cultural affiliation Many people have different views on prejudice, what it is and whether its right or wrong. Some people may believe that prejudice is racism, but prejudice is when you have an opinion of someone or something without knowledge of what they or it are really like. It may be class or colour, rich or poor, its all prejudice. In this essay I will compare the aspects of prejudice in Roll Of Thunder, Hear My Cry by Mildred Taylor, and, The Sons Veto, by Thomas Hardy. I will look at how segregation is achieved in each story and the consequences of it. Roll Of Thunder, is a story about a black family in the southern states of America in the 1930s. At this point in American history, prejudice against blacks was at an all time high. Sharecropping was a part of life then. The story focuses on the Logan family and their struggle against racism. They have their own land, so they dont have to share-crop, but the local land owner, Harlan Granger, wants their land, and this book is about their struggle to keep it, and their fight against racism. The Sons Veto, is a story of a young woman who has suffered from class prejudice for all her life since she fell down some stairs and was forced to use a wheelchair. Before she had her injury she was courting a gardener named Sam, when she had her injury, the vicar she was serving felt sorry for her, and decided that he should marry her. Now, because of the social status of the vicar, she could not refuse, but this would be social suicide for the vicar. The story shows the prejudice that Sophy has to suffer, and how even those very close to you, can prejudge. In the very beginning of Roll Of Thunder, the Logan children have a long walk to school, as they are walking along the dirty, dusty road, a school bus from the Jefferson Davis School, a white school comes speeding towards the children. The bus driver deliberately drives the children towards the muddy banks of the road, he comes so close that the children are forced to dive into the bank. As the bus speeds past there are white children on the bus laughing and shouting nigger, nigger, mud eater and other comments, this shows us that racism is very prominent here because even children are taught to speak like this to people. Another matter is when little man receives his badly conditioned book from miss Crocker, he is incensed that the books have been discarded by white pupils and handed down to the inferior black schools as soon as they are no longer good enough for white pupils. The point is also driven by the fact that there is chart in the book, which states the condition that the book that is in, and the colour of the pupil using it. It states that the book has been in circulation for eleven years and now that the book is in a dismal state, the book is given to the nigra student. The perception of societys feelings to the blacks is made clear to us early in the story by these incidents, showing us that the whites thing they are somehow better than the blacks, and deserve better books and equipment, we also see that blacks are hated so much that even children are taught to taunt them, and make fun of them. In The Sons Veto, the story is started off at a charity fair, and Sophy, the main character in the story, is sitting in a wheelchair, with passers by staring at her as they move past. Why do they need to look? Is it abnormal for a person in a wheelchair to come to a charity fair? No, what we are seeing is the attitude of people towards others of a lower class than themselves. The book says a boy of 12 or 13 who stood beside her, and the shape of whose hat and jacket implied that he belonged to a well known public school. The immediate bystanders could hear that he had called her mother. This show us that the bystanders are surprised to see a woman like that, of a working class, to be the mother of a well made boy like this. A little later Sophy talks to Randolph, her son, and she says He have been so comfortable these last few hours that I am sure he cannot have missed us immediately after Randolph exclaims Has, dear mother, not have! He speaks with impatient fastidiousness that was almost harsh, and Sophy immediately adopts the correction with no retaliation or resent for him making it, this is showing us that its not just society that looks down on her, but her own son! The perception of society towards Sophy is made clear early on the story because of both of these incidents, the passers by staring at her, and her son correcting her grammar. In Roll Of Thunder we see many cases of segregation by colour, segregation is when one group of people separate themselves to better social standards that another group of people. One of the earliest cases we see is that the white pupils from the Jefferson High come past in a school bus, but the Logan children have to walk to school, This is where the segregation of the classes really begins.

T.V Violence Affects Are Kids :: essays research papers

Television is the biggest form of multimedia out there. Its most important role is to report the news and maintain communications between people around the world. Television's most influential, yet most serious aspect is its shows for entertainment. Violent children's shows like Mighty Morphin Power Rangers and adult shows like NYPD Blue and Homicide almost always fail to show the characters resolve their differences in a non-violent manner, instead they show a more entertaining resolution, where the good guy beats the crap out of the bad guy. In one episode of NYPD Blue three people were murdered in the span of an hour. "Contemporary television creates a seemingly insatiable appetite for amusement of all kinds without regard for social or moral benefits" (Foley, 41). Findings over the past twenty years by three Surgeon Generals, the Attorney General's Task Force on Family Violence, the American Medical Association, the National Institute of Mental Health, the American Psychiatric Association, the American Psychological Association, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and other medical authorities indicate that televised violence is harmful to all of us, but particularly to the mental health of children (Foley, 70-71). In 1989 the results of a five-year study by the American Psychological Association indicated that the average child has witnessed 8,000 murders and 100,000 other acts of violence on television by the time he or she has completed sixth grade. In further studies it was determined that by the time that same child graduates from high school he or she will have spent 22,000 hours watching television, twice as many hours as he or she has spent in school (Lamson 124). In a study by the Centers for Disease Control, published by the JAMA (Journal of the American Medical Association), it was shown that homicide rates had doubled between the introduction of television in the 1950's and the end of the study in 1994. In that same study other possible causes for the vast increases in violence were studied, "the 'baby boom' effect, trends in urbanization, economic trends, trends in alcohol abuse, the role of capital punishment, civil unrest, the availability of guns, and exposure to television"(Lamson 32). Each of these purported causes was tested in a variety of ways to see whether it could be eliminated as a credible contributor to doubling the crime rate in the United States, and one by each of them was invalidated, except for television.

The Importance of Continuing Professional Development

This essay aims to discuss the importance of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) within a National Health Service (NHS) medical imaging department; and how it contributes to delivering high quality patient-centred care. It will include any associated advantages and/or disadvantages to the NHS and imaging department; and discuss the impact of compulsory CPD associated with management and service delivery. Finally, radiography specific examples of CPD currently documented within the NHS will we stated with suggestions for increased uptake of CPD within imaging departments. CPD is described by the Health Professionals Council (HPC) as ‘a range of learning activities through which individuals can maintain and develop throughout their careers, to ensure that they retain a capacity to practice legally, safely and effectively within an evolving scope of practice’ (HPC, 2006: 1). All radiographers must be registered by the HPC in order to practice in the United Kingdom; ensuring regulation and compliance with prescribed standards of practice. This therefore provides public protection. In 2005 the HPC made CPD a mandatory requirement for all health professionals in order to remain registered, or if renewing registration (SCoR, 2008: 5). Registrants are required to keep accurate, continuous and up-to-date CPD records of activities. This includes professionals in full or part-time work, in management, research or education (HPC, 2006: 3). The activities should be varied and include for example, work based learning, professional activity, formal education and self directed learning; which should have relevance to current or future practice (HPC, 2006: 2). The practitioner must aim to show that the quality of their practice, service delivery and service user have benefited as a result of the CPD. In addition to patients, ‘service user’ also encompasses clients, department-team and students (HPC, 2006: 4). To ensure compliance with HPC standards, a random selection of registrants are audited with their CPD profile being submitted and reviewed. The practitioners profile must demonstrate a representative sample of activities, with a minimum of twelve recorded pieces spanning the previous two years; documenting professional development. HPC, 2006: 3). The process of CPD requires the practitioner to review their practice regularly, in order to identifying learning requirements (SCoR, 2008: 1). After performance of the CPD activity, an evaluation and written statement summarises its impact, quality and value to future practice (SCoR, 2008: 2). Although some CPD learning activities will occur spontaneously it may also be done through discussion with a manager (SCoR, 2008: 4). This continuous process maintains and enhances expertise, knowledge and competence, both formally and informally; beyond initial training (Jones and Jenkins, 2007: 7). It allows ongoing development through life-long learning and ensures the practitioner achieves their full potential, helping provide a high quality patient-centred service, based on up to date evidence (RCR, 2007: 10). The advancement of diagnostic imaging and the demand for imaging services in the NHS has significantly affected the role of the radiographer (Smith and Reeves, 2010: 1). Understanding that radiographer’s initial training is not sufficient for the duration of their career, coupled with many significant government developments, has emphasised the need for CPD; with associated advantages and disadvantages to the NHS and imaging department (Jones and Jenkins, 2007: 7). French and Dowds (2008: 193), suggests that through CPD, professionals can achieve professional and personal growth, acquire, develop and improve skills required for new roles and responsibilities. In support of this Lee (2010: 4) suggests that CPD related to self-confidence, improved ability to problem solve, with a greater understanding of local and national organisational needs. However, it was consistently found that new skills and knowledge deriving from CPD activities could not be utilised, due to trust protocols and policies (Lee, 2010: 3). This suggests that when CPD is harnessed and applied effectively it is advantageous to both the practitioner, imaging department and NHS, yet the organisation can restrict its application, therefore not utilising its potential benefits (French and Dowds, 2008: 195). High-quality, cost effective patient-centred care is central to the modernisation of health service. To achieve this government policy is focussing on multi-professional working, new roles and increased flexibility throughout the workforce (RCR, 2006: 6). Therefore, a practitioner’s ability to extend and adapt their roles within this rapidly changing environment is central to the NHS’s and imaging departments development (Jones and Jenkins, 2007: 7). Gould et al (2007: 27) suggests reduced patient mortality has been strongly correlated with CPD; and patient outcomes are improved with multi-professional team-working. However Gibbs (2011: 3) suggests that tensions may occur with implementation of a multi-professional approach to working, resulting from practitioners preferring to stay within familiar professional boundaries. Although this suggests there are significant patient benefits to role adaption as a result of CPD, It may only be utilised if practitioners have the willingness and motivation to develop their roles (Gould et al, 2007: 31). With role adaptation initiatives however, there are risks of reduced standards of care; with practitioners needing to remain aware of their scope of practice and accountability (RCR, 2006: 10). To ensure clinical governance standards are maintained; audits should be used to check performance and compliance against agreed standards (RCR, 2006: 10). An essential element of CPD is being able to reflect and learn from experiences, including service failures (SCoR, 2005: 1). Understanding why something has happened and implementing a positive change in practice, as a result, will contribute to continual improvement in services systems (RCR, 2006: 10). Gibbs (2011: 2) suggests that CPD helps the NHS comply with local and national strategies, in addition to quality monitoring and good governance. This helps provide patient safety whilst minimising medical negligence penalties; in 2008-2009 alone the claims against the NHS were ? 769 million (Shekar, 2010: 31). The Agenda for Change resulted from a workforce crisis, resulting from low staff morale, lack of professional progression and unchallenging careers. The importance of lifelong learning was recognised as being pivotal in addressing these issues (Jones and Jenkins, 2007: 10). It introduced a four-tier structure, incorporating a competency based system for continual learning, the Knowledge and Skills Framework (KSF); this provided fair CPD access to all (Gould et al, 2007: 27). Within the imaging department it promoted, encouraged and expedited role development and generated new radiographic roles (Woodford, 2005: 321). It was highlighted that in order to meet service needs and radiographer aspirations role development was necessary (Woodford, 2005: 320). It provided improvements in equal opportunities, career development with improved CPD opportunities; and consequently increased morale and retention rates (DH, 2004: 2). However, Williamson and Mundy (2009: 46) suggest that if role development and career aspirations did not materialise the investment in recruitment, retention and improved morale would be wasted. As a consequence a depleted workforce and lack of service provision, could potentially compromise patient safety (Gibbs, 2011: 2). An annual appraisal and personal development plan is a requisite of the KSF. This identifies individual training requirements and formulation of a CPD plan; highlighting targets and objectives that meet the organisation needs and practitioners career aspirations; followed by performance review (Gould et al, 2007: 27). This cultivates effective training and development throughout all stages of an individual’s career, in addition to highlighting areas for development within the department team (Gould et al, 2007: 28). Jones and Jenkins (2007: 7) suggest that an annual appraisal can help structure and guide an individual CPD, creating a better standard of service. Additionally, Gould et al. (2007: 29) found that poorly planned CPD could have little to do with the appraisal, service or staff development (Woodford, 2005: 324). This indicates efficiently planned CPD and personal development plan can help develop the inherent potential in staff, improving knowledge in best practice whilst promoting a greater degree of autonomy (Jones and Jenkins, 2007: 10). However, to achieve this clear communication with the manager ensuring joint agreement and appropriateness of training requirements is necessary (Jones and Jenkins, 2007: 11). Manager responsibilities include the development of the workforce for good service delivery, with identification and provision of appropriate education and training. This ensures practitioner roles are supported, safe to practice and suitable for the purpose (RCR, 2005: 8). Compulsory CPD does not guarantee that learning occurs in practitioners who lack motivation; compliance with regulations may be their only impetus (Jones and Jenkins, 2007: 9). Barriers may be affecting participation, for example, the individual may feel a lack of choice in determining particular learning needs with the manager dictating the activity; or personal conflict with the idea that adult learning should be self-motivated and a self-directed process (Lee, 2010: 3). French and Dowds (2008: 194) highlight a number of other barriers to CPD participation, including time constraints, the CPD being of no professional relevance, inadequate finances, not enough staff to cover and a lack managerial encouragement. In support of this Gould et al (2007: 606) identified barriers to CPD in particular groups, including those nearing retirement, staff working only at weekends or nights and part-time staff. This indicates the need for managers to understand the factors that inhibit and facilitate the practitioner’s ability to effectively engage in CPD; therefore ensuring the staffs’ continued HPC compliance and retention of registration (SCoR, 2009: 3). Although motivation towards CPD is pivotal it needs to work in association with protected study time, opportunities and recognition that CPD is integral to patient care (Jones and Jenkins, 2007: 11). With financial constraints managers can find it challenging to provide sufficient opportunities and resources for practitioners to undertake CPD (French and Dowds, 2008: 195). With money and time being invested the input must be justified. Gibbs (2011: 2) suggests that informal learning cannot be assessed unlike formal learning; and it is hard to show how either will be applied to practice. However, nurses in a study by Gould et al (2007: 606) felt that work based-learning helped to keep staff motivated, interested and had more impact on patient care. This suggests that although informal learning is a subjective process, there are perceived benefits; furthermore, reflecting on personal experience will increase proficiency (French and Dowds, 2008: 194). If funding is insufficient, managers may see CPD as an extravagance that cannot be afforded (Gibbs, 2011: 2). With the substantial costs of replacing an NHS professional, it seems logical for employers to finance CPD, therefore securing a motivated and proactive workforce, whilst safeguarding service delivery (French and Dowds, 2008: 195). Compulsory CPD required by the HPC has the advantage of ensuring competence in registered practitioners, therefore providing public protection and confidence in the service (Gibbs, 2011: 2). As radiographers are required to base their CPD on recent research, patients should expect to be diagnosed and treated with currently approved approaches (Gibbs, 2011: 3). However, it is difficult to establish if there is improved patient outcome directly resulting from CPD, as many other variables could have an affect (French and Dowds, 2008: 194). This would suggest that compulsory CPD has the potential to provide better quality patient-centred service, however if insufficient audit and research to evaluate the practice is not in place, there is no evidence to support its influence on service provision (SCoR, 2010: 4). Compulsory CPD also has a positive impact on the range of activities and quantity of CPD undertaken (French and Dowds, 2008: 192). This affords further opportunities within the profession and is integral to the extension of professional roles and boundaries; complying with current drives for service improvement (Williamson and Mundy, 2009: 41). Woodford (2005: 321) states ‘double barium contrast enema was one example of role extension benefitting service to patients by reducing long waiting lists and numbers of unreported examinations’. The evaluated studies established better service provision, for example patient waiting times; freeing up radiologists time to perform other duties, and cost effectiveness (Woodford, 2005: 325). However, Smith and Reeves (2010: 113) state that there were barriers to adopting radiographic role-extension from radiologists, who hindered the radiographer’s progression. This suggests that intent from radiographers and government to achieve improved patient services can be impeded without the support and co-operation of radiologists who are central to the radiographic team and necessary to implement the changes (Woodford, 2005: 325). The financial challenges affecting the NHS have reduced CPD opportunities (Gibbs, 2011: 3). To help increase local uptake, innovative and cost effective approaches can be fostered in a supportive learning environment within the imaging department (French and Dowds, 2008: 195). Gibbs (2011: 4) suggest that the least costly CPD options are often overlooked, with poorly resourced departments often underutilising these opportunities. Work-based learning (WBL) for example journal clubs, in-service education programmes staff/student supervision, or taking time to reflective on practice (HPC, 2009: 6), provides an effective, flexible way of enhancing practice within the workplace: and also enables easier staff release (Gibbs, 2011: 3). It is important to ensure that the activities are linked to evidence-based practice for recognition of academic learning (Gibbs, 2011: 4). However, although these activities may have reduced monetary implications they still use time (Jones and Jenkins, 2007: 11). Hardacre and Schneider (2007: 12) suggest that WBL offers the benefits of familiar staff surroundings, provision of a staff-support network and programmes that are designed around staff and the organisation; which helps meet their needs. French and Dowds (2008: 194) suggest that professional practice showed positive change as a result of hands-on training. Although the convenience of WBL is apparent, it could restrict radiographers CPD opportunities in higher education; with employers preferring the WBL as it revolves around the organisations work, rather than for professional gain; this could inhibit the growth of the practitioner and service development (Munro, 2008: 954). Specialist practitioners could find suitable CPD courses hard to access locally; with the expense of providing for small groups. However, the KSF could be used to identify similar issues within other trusts, by collaborating when commissioning, costs could be reduced due to the increased number of participants (Gould et al, 2007: 30). Communicating CPD needs between other trusts and providers of education could be a cost effective approach to CPD opportunities, and could prevent duplication of similar courses locally (Gibbs, 2011: 2). Utilising technologies more extensively provides a diverse range of CPD activities such as webcasts, podcasts, on-line packages, CORe-learning programmes, video conferencing and discussion boards. (Gibbs, 2011: 4). This offers a flexible approach to updating skills and knowledge, with post-evaluation being quickly and easily accessible. However it is dependent on computer skills, educational level and internet access (French and Dowds, 2008: 193).