I wish to begin this in a way that helps to validate who I am today, without losing the value of sharing start of finish (except there is not a finish , not yet any way). For those looking at Dave the professional, teacher, clinician, theorist, philosopher or researcher, I will begin there, in my most recent professional roles. For those looking for start to finish,…like my children, then look under the heading of “For my children”.

My involvement with Nursing Education, began at the University of Windsor. I had completed my Baccaluarette in Nursing Degree there, as well as my Certificate in Primary Health Care Nurse Practitioner, in 2002. It was the spring of 2005, in which I had interviewed for and accepted a position with the University of Windsor for clinical instructor in Continuing Care and palliative care units, for consolidation for level two students.

I continued on in the fall of that year, to begin with the level three nursing program, and facilitating placements in the community, in many of the settings in which I had spent a short time as a Nurse Practitioner in Street Health. This was a collaborative effort between myself and the clinical placement co-coordinator for the University. It had become quite apparent, very early on, that there were some growing pains, with the Collaborative Nursing Program, and the facilitation of larger numbers of nursing students would be necessary but challenging. In a sense, I see this as ‘blessing in disguise’ as we are now, more than ever, ‘needing’ to envision new and expanding roles for nursing. While much of nursing will continue to be facilitated in institutional settings, typically the hospital, it is imperative we need to include more focus for nursing, in the community, where individuals live their lives, go to work, play and go to school.

My Masters Degree in Nursing is in Primary Health Care with an emphasis on Community Development. For those who wish to read more on community development, as I see it, visit here

In taking my Master’s degree specifically through Athabasca, I was introduced to new conceptual approaches to Primary Health Care, but more importantly, I was strongly orientated to the concept of the “on-line community” that exists in distance education and on line learning. It was not totally new to me the approach to education on-line, much of the Primary Health Care Nurse Practitioner program offered in Ontario was on-line, Internet based, with chat sessions, tele-conferencing, and e-learning curriculum. What should be recognized as valuable, is my conceptual model,…the Social Integration Model, is very much an on line, integrated collaborative community approach. The next evolution in education delivery and the promotion of personal development “wellness” model of health care, is all about the integration of the newest approaches in information technology. The very best reason I make an excellent consultant for any of the sectors of social services, health care or education…is that I not only get the connection, but I am good at helping others “get it” also. It is essential that we capture the vision of a preferred future now, and the solutions that are needed in facing “the perfect storm”, are very much reliant on this integration that I speak of.

April 28th, 2007

Hi all,

I have returned to work toward adding more to my biography, a project I have put off while my Dad was in crisis. I realize now the crisis is not letting up,…new dimensions are unfolding and uncertainty defines the “curtains” that darken the immediate environment. There are many things about me that I can attribute to being the son of Douglas Howard Scratch, besides sharing a middle and last name. I wish to understand that influence, from both a genetic perspective but also, the influences of growing up in the 50’s and 60’s, a relatively large family, trying real hard to overcome poverty with pride,…much like many of my parents generation, (who had parents who learned how to survive the Great Depression. I have been exploring these roots with my Aunt Bea (now in her seventies, my mother’s younger sister) and with the ongoing dialogue of understanding that I have been having with my sister, the first born, who has seen eight more years of the times of our generational group. Carol is a “lead boomer” I refer to,…born in the mid to late 1940’s, I a “middle boomer” born in 1956. For those that hold interest in this phenomenon, you would be a junior boomer if born in the early 60’s (till about 1965).

I had read cover to cover the book “Boom, Bust and Echo” a few years back when it first came out, and have become atuned to this demographic phenomenon ever since. So, as you read the section on “Dave the futurist” you will understand why I am suggesting what I do,…I am not claiming to be a clarvoyant or psychic, if that is what you were thinking. My main focus has been, the future of the aging population, of health care,…and the environment. I have also been studying and theorizing on the future of education, especially the education of Health Care Professionals. So, that you know, I believe nearly all of the Health Care Professions, nursing, physicians, social workers, dieticians, physio and occupational therapists, should all be taking classes together with a strong emphasis on learning how to work together and understand the other’s orientation and communication domains. It has been long over-due to work from a “trans-disciplinary understanding and approach” all should be working from a “person centred” (patient-centred, family centred, if you wish),…and learn what collaboration and patient empowerment truly means.

So,…you will find out more (or figure out my artisitc slant) when you learn of my history in the world of music. Most recently I was a member of Music Express, who carries the logo “Canada’s Premier Show Band”. I have had a long but scattered history of solo expressions, mainly for family or friends for “weddings”. Not the “Wedding Singer” image that was portrayed by Adam Sandler, but as the soloist at the front of the Wedding Chapel or church. I was involved in a collaborative project for a couple of years as a performer for Children’s Charities, singing the songs of Raffi, Fred Penner and Sharon, Lois and Bram (anyone familiar with “skidda-ma-rink-a-dink-a dink,….skidda-ma-rink-ah- do”). Those were the most enjoyable of times, the smiling ‘wiggly-dancing little troupers”, many of whom would have had cancer or disablilities related to their being born Premature) I worked in Pediatrics, Pediatric ICU and Neonatal ICU during those years (mid 1990’s). WE were called “Happiness Express”.
My music careers started with “Lost and Found Department”, which evolved to Gospel Road (and the Big black and gray converted school bus for touring) and then a year long run with “Gospel Express” which I co-founded. These were all Gospel Groups, we performed through the 1970’s. (kept me out of the Woodstock experience, and on to the straight and narrow,…but had to say…the most narrow minded times of my life). In being critical of others, judgemental of even family members, I regret the alienation and hurt that was caused and still lingers. It is my hope that all do see me as more accepting and loving,…of all.

I will return to this with the next post,…letting you get an appreciation of my ongoing journey,

Dave

Dave the Multi-sport Athlete

Most know me as either the Ironman Triathlete or Yoga/Tai Chi Guru. I wish not to portray the “Guru” image…each should find their own way to express themselves…but I do make an excellent teacher…and my main fortay is “Rehab Specialist”. The list is too extensive as to all the sports I have tried, many of which I still love…and Yes…I am training to do another Tri or two…just to feel “I can”…in my second half of my “century ride”. (At 100 I will just get off the bike and just lay down for a nap and not wake up…couldn’t be better)

Other memorable atttempts at being a Jock…Wrestled in High School..till I broke my wrist.

Played soccer for the travel team…till I tore my Right Medial Meniscus (Cartlidge)

Studied Years of Martial Arts, including Aikido, Wing Chun Kung Fu, and Tae Kwon Do, ( till my 17 year old son blocked a kick while sparring and I broke my toe… Fragile guy…you haven’t heard about the Bike Crash of 1996….I have an Attitude of Gratitude that i can even walk.

Outdoorsman- again a maniac- ask my son or anyone else who has been talked into letting me guide them in the wildersness or canoe trek.

I will stop the bragging here…while I await to return to Golf…the ZEN of Golf as Therapy…my fortay is the ZEN…most can beat me at golf I don’t can…I teach an awesome program that will shave strokes and take you to a new dimension of the appreciation of life…and golf.

More later,

Dave