Factors Affecting Health Care Costs Essay Example

Factors Affecting Health Care Costs Paper Rising health care costs has been a topic for many years, despite all the discussions, costs continue to rise. Here are some of the factors which could affect the rise of health care costs. 1) Health insurance industry – Insurance has grown and has had a great impact on health care costs. As is commonly known, private insurance has not provided sufficient coverage for medical care, particularly in such settings as the home, partial hospitalization, and psychiatric rehabilitation programs. 2) Advances in medical car technology – expensive technologies may not be always applicable to medical care. However, patients are compelled to avail of these technologies because they have this mind set that these technologies provide better and assured service, whatever the cost may be. Of course, state of the art facilities like these are most of the time very expensive. We will write a custom essay sample on Factors Affecting Health Care Costs specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Factors Affecting Health Care Costs specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Factors Affecting Health Care Costs specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer 3) Changes in US demographics – the number of births and deaths, especially the aging population has a great impact on increasing healthcare costs. Elderly patients, who are admitted, have complex discharge problems that often result in a longer length of stay than is typically required, even though their length of stay is decreasing due to pressures to discharge quickly. Moreover, their conditions are more likely to be more complicated thus making their healthcare costs even higher. 4) Government support for healthcare – the government has a vital role in helping reduce the increasing healthcare costs today. Especially in the high costs of pharmaceuticals for example; since patients have to take long term medications and many of these are expensive. Pharmaceutical companies argue that the cost of medications is due to high research and development costs. The government should then do their part to compensate the other finances of medicine to these companies to make it cost reasonably in the market. Professional fees of physicians could also be applied here as well. 5) Consumer expectations – with too much expectation, consumers tend to have discontent on certain medical services thus make them seek for 2nd opinion. These actions make them spend twice and even thrice the cost of the medical services. Discontent on immediate recoveries also applies here (Finkelman, 1997). Reference: Finkelman, A. W. (1997). Psychiatric Home Care. Gaithersburg, Maryland: Jones Bartlett Publishers.

Hastings Banda, Life President of Malawi

Hastings Banda, Life President of Malawi Continued from: Hastings Banda: the Early Years After an extra-ordinary but altogether unassuming life as an ex-patriot black African doctor in Britain during the colonial era, Hastings Banda soon became a dictator once in power in Malawi. His contradictions were many, and he left people wondering how the doctor had become Hastings Banda, Life President of Malawi. Extremist: Opposing Federation and Supporting Apartheid Even while abroad, Hastings Banda was being drawn into nationalist politics in Nyasaland. The tipping piont seems to have been the decision by the British colonial government to join Nyasaland with Northern and Southern Rhodesia to form the Central African Federation. Banda was vehemently against federation, and several times, nationalist leaders in Malawi asked him to return home to lead the fight. For reasons that are not completely clear, Banda remained in Ghana until 1958, when he finally returned to Nyasaland and threw himself into politics. By 1959, he had been jailed for 13 months for his opposition to federation, which he saw as a device for ensuring that Southern Rhodesia – which was governed by a white minority – retained control over the majority black populations of Northern Rhodesia and Nyasaland.   In Africa Today, Banda declared that if opposition made him an â€Å"extremist†, he was happy to be one. â€Å"Nowhere in history,’ he said, â€Å"did the so-called Moderates accomplish anything.†Ã‚   Yet, despite his stance against the oppression of Malawis population, as a leader Banda had too few qualms, many people thought, about the oppression of South Africas black population. As President of Malawi, Banda worked closely with the Apartheid South African government and did not speak out against the radical segregation to the south of Malawis borders. This juxtaposition between his self-proclaimed extremism and the  real politique  of his international rule was just one of the many contradictions that confused and bewildered people about President Hastings Banda. Prime Minister, President, Life President, Exile As the long awaited leader of the nationalist movement, Banda was an obvious choice for Prime Minister as Nyasaland moved toward independence, and it was he who changed the name of the country to Malawi. (Some say he liked the sound of Malawi, which he found on a pre-colonial map.)   It was soon evident how Banda intended to rule. In 1964, when his cabinet tried to limit his powers, he had four of the ministers dismissed. Others resigned and several fled the country and lived in exile for the rest of their lives or his reign, which ever ended first.   In 1966, Banda oversaw the writing of a new constitution and ran unopposed for election as Malawis first president. From then forward, Banda ruled as an absolutist. The state was him, and he was the state. In 1971, the parliament named in President for Life. As President, Banda enforced his rigid sense of morality on the people of Malawi. His rule became known for oppression, and people feared his paramilitary Malawi Young Pioneers group.   He supplied the largely agrarian population with fertilizer and other subsidies, but the government also controlled prices, and so few but the elite benefited from surplus crops. Banda believed in himself and his people, though. When he ran in a contested, democratic election in 1994, he was shocked to be roundly defeated. He left Malawi, and died three years later in South Africa. A Fraud or a Puritan? The juxtaposition of Bandas demeanor as the quiet doctor in Britain and his later years as a dictator, combined with his inability to speak his native language inspired a number of conspiracy theories. Many thought he was not even from Malawi, and some claimed that the real Hastings Banda had died while abroad, and been replaced by a carefully chosen imposter.    There is something fiery about most puritanical people though. The same inner drive that leads them to renounce and denounce such common acts as kissing (Banda banned public kissing in Malawi and even censured movies he thought had too much kissing) and it is in this thread of Bandas personality that a connection can be drawn between the quiet, kind doctor and the dictatorial Big Man he became.    Sources: Banda, Hastings K. â€Å"Return to Nyasaland,† Africa Today 7.4 (1960): 9. Dowden, Richard. â€Å"Obituary: Dr. Hastings Banda,† Independent 26 November 1997.   Ã¢â‚¬Å"Hastings Banda,† Economist, November 27, 1997. Kamkwamba, William and Bryan Mealer, The Boy who Harnessed the Wind. New York: Harper Collins, 2009.      Ã¢â‚¬ËœKanyarwunga’, â€Å"Malawi; The Incredible True Story of Dr. Hastings Kamuzu Banda,† History of Africa Otherwise blog, November 7, 2011.

Essay Questions Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2750 words

Questions - Essay Example By means of contrast, information technology is most effectively concerned with the infrastructural development of the way in which databases are administered, networks are organized, and information is shared. Through the information that is thus far been promoted, it can clearly be understood that the level of comparison and contrast that exists between information technology and information systems is somewhat less stark and distinct than one might otherwise assume. Ultimately, the interrelationship between these terms has a profound impact with regards the way in which both of these effective job tasks are conducted. The way in which a company operates would be severely impaired if both of these elements were not heavily leveraged by a particular entity. As such, the luxury of choosing which one of these approaches will be used is not a luxury that a successful firm can engage in; rather, they must choose to exercise them both concurrently so that different goals, strategies, and expect can be felt throughout the business entity. And information value chain for a group of movie theaters could engender a great many things. However, one of the most logical explanations for how such information value chain could be represented is with regards to the group of theaters actively seeking out information with respect to the clients that integrate with their service. For instance, age, race, and other demographic factors could be gathered and utilized as a means of seeking to engage further profitability with respect to the service that is offered. Similarly, information with regards to the overall seat availability, pink ticket times, peak sale prices, and particular types of movies that provide the greatest profitability can and should also be gathered as a means of time all of this marketing information back into the information value chain

Legal Responsibilities of a Nurse Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Legal Responsibilities of a Nurse - Essay Example From this paper it is clear that  nursing laws state that a nurse should act as an intermediary between the physician and the patient. Nurses have to carefully monitor the patient and report to the physician if any abnormality is observed. A nurse is legally responsible for interpreting the patient’s charts and files and thereby identifying what allergic reactions the patient may develop against different medications. Nurses are legally required to provide the patient with assistance in issues like hygiene if the patient needs it. Some patients may move out of the hospital environment and use infectious facilities during the course of treatment. Undoubtedly, this situation would adversely affect the patient’s disease recovery process. Hence, a nurse has the legal responsibility to pay proper attention to his/her patient and thereby avoid those adverse situations. In short, a nurse should avoid all acts that are likely to affect the patient safety or quality of the car e badly.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  This discussion highlights that  the major legal responsibility of a healthcare employer is that he should maintain a sound healthcare environment where patient safety is specifically met. Healthcare laws indicate that employers are legally required to employ sufficient number of staff that is essential to achieve patient safety and quality care.  An employer has the legal responsibility to ensure his employees’ safety and welfare.... In addition, the employer has to ensure that his staffs are provided with necessary medical equipments and other treatment facilities. Employers must provide their staff with a potential worksite environment where elements of stressors are minimal. An employer has the legal responsibility to ensure his employees’ safety and welfare. It is the legal responsibility of an employer to assess the risk factors existing in the workplace environment and do whatever is practicable to minimize the level of those risks. Hence, a healthcare employer should encourage his staff to report any issue or pitfall in the work environment that is likely to hurt patient safety or employee efficiency. In addition, the employer is legally responsible for paying immediate attention to issues that are likely to impact the quality of care. American Medical Association in its code of medical ethics has specified the fundamental elements of doctor-patient relationship and patient’s rights. Those ri ghts involve â€Å"the basic right to have adequate health care† and â€Å"the right to courtesy, respect, dignity, responsiveness, and timely attention to health needs† (Kwon, n.d). Hence, a medication error will certainly constitute violation of patients’ rights. In the view of Kitchener, â€Å"autonomy, nonmaleficence, beneficence, justice, fidelity, and veracity† are the six fundamental ethical principles in the healthcare (as cited in Corey, Schneider & Callanan, 2010, p. 19). Hence, through the medication error, the nurse violated the principle of nonmaleficence, which states that ‘do no harm’ to clients intentionally or unintentionally. Even though the nurse violated the basic nursing principles and thereby patient rights were

FEA program Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words - 1

FEA program - Assignment Example However, with an increase in technological aspects of the engineering environment, it is imperative to connote the ease in simulation that is made possible by improved technology. Many simulation programs exist depending on the field of application. For example, when dealing with simulation of circuits, a program such as Circuit Maker or, in animation, Autodesk are just a few examples. In this assignment, the learner utilizes Ansys Workbench as the Computer Aided Engineering simulation program. The main reason for utilization of this software program is that it will be possible to show divergent aspects of a simulation including loading, constraints, and subjection to analysis and component performance. The beauty of this exemplification is in the fact that all the simulation is done in the context of engineering, thus it becomes possible to understand various aspects of a component. All these elements and considerations tend to rely on finite element methods. It is good to note that when dealing with finite elements, a complex problem is subdivided into smaller actual problems so that the complexity of the problem is consistently eliminated by dealing with the problem in piecemeal form. History suggests that the source of the finite simulation approach is in the fact that ancient scientists found it hard to deal with complex elasticity as well as structural analysis challenges that are inherent in the world of civil engineering and aeronautic engineering (Mori, Osakada & Takaoka 1996). To be able to solve these challenges, engineers came up with a five-step process that allows them to break the challenge into manageable pieces that are easier to deal with at every stage. The first aspect that has to be considered is the problem identification stage (Mori, Osakada & Takaoka 1996). In this first stage, the shape or structure of the object under consideration is sketched as well as the load it is anticipated to have (Mori, Osakada & Takaoka, 1996). This load and sketch is essential since it offers the engineer a better view of what needs to be provided by the end of the simulation (Mori, Osakada & Takaoka 1996). However, there are various aspects of the simulation that will emanate from the sketch, hence the need to have a clear yet close resemblance with the anticipated final project (Mori, Osakada & Takaoka 1996). {Insert Figure 1} The second aspect considered is the creation of the geometry using the software package so that a solid model is produced using a computer aided modeller (Mori, Osakada & Takaoka 1996). Although the solid is good, there are some details that may be a little hidden. In this case, a second view is needed. {Insert Figure 2} The third aspect, which is the view of the solid, is the mesh of the model created (Mori, Osakada & Takaoka 1996). A mesh offers an opportunity to clarify the divergent faces of the model under creation while the grids aid in accentuating minute details: the edges and curvatures of the model (M ori, Osakada & Takaoka 1996). {Insert Figure 3} Once the mesh has been created, the next step is clarification of the boundary conditions (Mori, Osakada &

Risk Management in Healthcare: Case Study

Risk Management in Healthcare: Case Study Harry C. Abellana Jr. Introduction I am a health care assistant going on duty at North Shore Hospital. It is one of the hospitals under the Waitemata District Health Board. It caters inpatient and outpatient care. It is also equipped to perform surgeries and emergency care. Studying risk management is a very important key in being a manager. This would equip you with the vital skills and mind set to be sensitive to identify the different risks in the work place. You will be able to act quickly and find a solution if ever a problem is faced. All of your clients or patients are your responsibility. Their care is in your hands. Purpose of Risk Management Working at North Shore Hospital is a very eye-opening experience. The hospital caters to everyone and attends to any type of illness. With the vast patients that they are attending, risk is always present. An accident or wrong practice always lurks the corner. I can see that the purpose of risk management is to prevent and control the different risks being faced on a day-to-day basis. Without risk management, there will be chaos in the organisation and this will hinder the staff to do their work. Proper risk management is implemented so that the organisation itself can do their tasks efficiently and effectively. Benefits of Risk Management There are different things that North Shore Hospital is benefiting from their effective risk management. First is a good reputation. They have a good reputation of being one of the best public hospitals under the Waitemata District Health Board. This was achieved through proper planning and execution of their risk management protocols. Another benefit is maximizing the time and skills of the staff. Whenever there is a risk encountered, the staffs already know the steps on how to handle and solve the problem. Another is conserving and saving money. If the risk is attended to or moreover prevented from happening, this would lessen the downtime and resources to be used to control the problem. That is why risk management is truly beneficial at North Shore Hospital. The Different Components of Risk Management Activities and Internal Environment The working culture at North Shore Hospital is a very positive one. Each unit exhibits team work to get the job done. All of the healthcare staff works hand-in-hand to provide the best quality healthcare. The managers make sure that a safe and healthy working environment is maintained. Any misunderstanding should be sorted out immediately. It is the responsibility of the managers to take care of their employees. On the other hand, the employees are responsible for their patients. The nurses and healthcare assistants are the first line of the organisation to take care of the clients. They use both modern technology and trusty hand-written documents to store patient’s information. Computers are mainly used to guide the healthcare providers regarding the medication schedule and as a communication tool. This will lessen the occurrence of medication errors. They use the traditional patient’s chart to jot down objective observations like blood pressure, temperature, respirato ry and heart rate. The organisation has plotted down their policies that would cover all risk possibilities that they may encounter. There are policies from the simplest thing like hand washing techniques up to the complicated things like medication error. They also give importance regarding the confidentiality of the patients. They always remind us that every time you perform basic care to the patients, you should make sure that all the curtains are closed and not to expose the clients. New Zealand is a diversified country. With the continuous influx of migrants, there are a lot of culture, religion and beliefs. The healthcare plan should be sensitive to the rights and beliefs of the patient. The decision of the family is also respected when drafting the care plan for the patient. Objectives The basic objective of the Waitemata District Health Board, in which North Shore Hospital is under this health board, is to provide the best healthcare while respecting patient’s rights. They are committed to become a world-class healthcare facility. The organisation is aiming for a zero fall incident across all departments in all shifts. They are also an advocate to promote a smoke-free environment which should be achieved by the year 2024. They provide health teachings to patients who smoke and provide help and options on how to quit smoking. Proper hygiene, preventing cross contamination, limiting salt intake and recognizing the signs and symptoms of stroke are other objectives that the hospital is trying to disseminate to their patients. Their main objective is to promote a healthy lifestyle. Event Identification One of the risk identification that the hospital is doing is practicing emergency evacuation in case a major catastrophic event happens. They do this announced or unannounced. This is beneficial to remind the group on what to do in time of tragedies to be effective and efficient in evacuating the facility and save lives. Another current event that they are closely monitoring and trying to prevent is the spread of the Ebola virus. It has become a worldwide threat. They are specifically meticulous for those persons with or without signs of feeling sick to inform the organisation if they travelled to Africa or to any known country which has a positive case of the Ebola virus. If a person is suspected to have contracted this disease, they are to isolated for close monitoring and to be provided with the proper treatment. Risk Assessment Reference North Shore Hospital has a very simple yet very effective way to quickly inform the healthcare provider about the case of the patient. Posted on the wall on top or at the side of the patient is a reference chart. The chart consist information like name, age, language spoken, diet and nurse on charge for that shift. The unique thing about the chart is about the probability of the patient having a fall. It is measured by ticking the box if the patient is at high, medium or no risk of falling. There is also a picture of different walking assistive devices in which the proper tool to use is encircled. The picture helps a lot because it gives a clear picture not only by the name of the device. The chart also indicates if the patient is independent, needs supervision or how many persons should accommodate the patient if ever he or she needs assistance. This reference chart simply provides you the do’s and don’ts regarding the care of the patient. Response Plan Every shift always starts with a hand over. This is vital because in this occasion, all the information about the patient is being given. Each patient is unique in terms of providing care. The healthcare team also do rounds to check on the patients. There are times in which a patient needs close monitoring. The nurse cannot do this alone. They call the help of the bureau. This may be internal or external. This procedure will lessen the risk of the patient to incur any incident. They assign a staff to do a one-on-one monitoring of the patient. This may be an additional cost to the organisation but the positive effect always outweighs the monetary impact. This is also a way as a quick response to unexpected shortage of staff. The nurse managers on duty can always count on the bureaus to provide them with the manpower needed for that shift. The allocation of patients to the nurses on duty is also planned out. There are 2 or more nurses assigned in a single room. All the severe cases and patients who has complex care plan are distributed to the nurses. The buddy system works well in the healthcare system because there will be somebody to assist or help you in case a problem occurs. Each room generally consists of four patients. A single room cannot be occupied by all dependent patients. Occasionally there are two independent patients and two who needs close monitoring or supervision. Control Activities North Shore Hospital is equipped with all the modern risk managing devices like fire extinguishers, first aid kits and the likes. The expiry dates are checked regularly to maintain the effectivity of the devices. They also provide call bells to each patient. This will provide the patient easy access to the healthcare providers. The toilets are equipped with this feature. All over the floor there is an emergency bell. This would help alert all the healthcare staff that a major incident occurred. If the patient is not capable of pressing the call bell, they are attached to a monitoring alarm. If the patient gets up from bed, the alarm is triggered to alert the staff on duty that the patient needs help. Not only are the tools or the equipment being used are audited. The plans and protocols are also being updated from time to time. These plans are adjusted according to the flaws, if ever there are any, or new ideas and suggestions coming in that might be beneficial to the recent protocol s; all of the plans and materials being used to control or prevent risks are continuously changing or updating to be more effective it its goals. Information and Communication The hospital has good communication mediums to inform the staff and the general public about the health objectives. They use emails and online communications lines in order to inter act with each department. A paging system is used to announce any information that can be heard all throughout the facility. They also print out and post posters all over the facility. They are the appropriate size and clear. It contains the vital information that they want the people to know. It also contains call back information so that the public will have the chance to call them for questions and clarification. There are also leaflets and hand outs available. This is useful and handy. A patient can take these flyers with them and they can read it in their free time to better grasp the information being handed out. Help desk and information centre is also available. It is manned by a knowledgeable staff in which basic information can be answered right away. Monitoring Being a big hospital, it takes a group effort to maintain or prevent risks from occurring in the organisation. The company delegates to the members of the team the different aspects that need monitoring. They monitor cleanliness, fall incidents, cross contamination, intravenous lines infection and the likes. Each subject is randomly assigned to the members of the healthcare team for monitoring. They post the results of the evaluation at their bulletin board. The hospital makes it into a friendly competition. They commend the best ward for their efforts. This is a good way to motivate the crew to bring out the best performance and to provide the best care possible. Conclusion All organisations involving healthcare, may it be a hospital or a retirement village, has the best intention to their patients. They all have a common goal of taking care of people who lacks the ability to take care of themselves, may it be due to certain illnesses or old age. With the type of clientele that they have, risk is always present. That is why protocols are set to manage these risks. For me, the most important key is how to follow these protocols. They should be followed faithfully and put into practice. The organisation may have the perfect risk management procedures but without proper implementation, all of these would be useless. Recommendation This paper is very interesting. It varies from the typical subjects that were learned when taking the nursing course. It teaches us on what are the consequences if the different risks involved are not managed properly. Risk management should be inculcated to the practice of all employees, from the top management down to the rank and file. All should be responsible for their own actions because by being responsible risks can be prevented. We plan to become leaders and managers in the future. This would involve a lot more responsibilities. Mastering this talent will provide us with the proper knowledge, skill and attitude to become great leaders. Bibliography AOL Plc. (2014). Health Care Risk Management. Retrieved from http://www.aon.com/industry-expertise/healthcare.jsp Waitemata District Health Board (2010-2014). About Waitemata District Health Board. Retrieved from http://www.waitematadhb.govt.nz/AboutUs/AboutWaitemataDistrictHealthBoard.aspx Task Two Case Study Business Risk The most distinctive feature of the pharmacy is the operating hours. It is always open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This would accommodate all potential customers even after the regular office hours. The store is still serving customers when the competition is closed. The size of the store, branding, and investing in the interior furbishing is also appropriate. This prevents congestion inside the pharmacy. The more relaxed the customers are; the better buying experience they will have. The parking slots are a bonus feature especially for those clients with cars who are in a hurry for a quick buy. They would spend the money they have to buy products in the store rather than allocating it to pay for parking. The variety of products being offered also gives customers wider products choices. Location is also suitable to cater the target market. Insurance Risk Running an all hours pharmacy is vulnerable to robbery, fire and medication error. The pharmacy should get an insurance plan to cover these identified risks since the pharmacy is always open. The shop is most at risk during night time in which most common mistakes occur maybe due to fatigue which would hinder the human senses. The pharmacy should also protect their employees in case something happens to them in the work place. They should be accredited to the Accident Compensation Corporation or ACC to free the company from shouldering any extra expenses from unforeseen events. Since the business involves three stakeholders, protecting their investments should also be protected. An investor’s insurance is beneficial when fixing the pharmacy’s assets especially when something goes wrong like a death of an investor or bankruptcy. Compliance Risk You need to comply with different permits in order to run a pharmacy as per New Zealand’s laws. The Licence to Operate should be obtained. The licensing body of New Zealand is the Ministry of Health. The staff should also be qualified and have the NZQA qualifications especially the nurses and the pharmacists. Reference Ministry of Health – Manatu Hauora (2014). Applying for a pharmacy licence. Retrieved from http://www.health.govt.nz/our-work/regulation-health-and-disability-system/medicines-control/pharmacy-licensing/applying-pharmacy-licence Newzealand.govt.nz. Small, medium and large business. Retreived from http://www.acc.co.nz/for-business/small-medium-and-large-business/index.htm 1 | Page

Quest for Identity in Maxine Hong Kingstons Autobiography, The Woman W

Quest for Identity in Maxine Hong Kingston's Autobiography, The Woman Warrior Maxine Hong Kingston's autobiography, The Woman Warrior, features a young Chinese-American constantly searching for "an unusual bird" that would serve as her impeccable guide on her quest for individuality (49). Instead of the flawless guide she seeks, Kingston develops under the influence of other teachers who either seem more fallible or less realistic. Dependent upon their guidance, she grows under the influence of American and Chinese schools and the role models of Brave Orchid, Fa Mu Lan, and Moon Orchid. Her education by these counselors consequently causes her to abandon her search for an escort, the bird to be found somewhere in the measureless sky, and she begins to look inside herself for "the ideograph 'to fly'" (Kingston 35). The new song Kingston finally creates with her "talk story" of Ts'ai Yen, verifies her optimistic distinction from her educators, cultural norms, which have indoctrinated and restricted her childhood. During much of her childhood, Kingston goes to the "American School" during the day and the "Chinese School" in the evening as she filters the conflicting material given in each of these environments to determine what works in her Chinese-American life. In attending the American school, Kingston discovers American ideologies of loquaciousness and arrogance. From the influence of their American schoolmates Kingston and her siblings "never said, 'Oh, no, you're too kind. . . . I'm stupid. I'm ugly.' They were capable children. . . . But they were not modest" (Kingston 134). The children expected their Chinese parents to join in their arrogance, and Kingston proudly tells her mother, "I got straight A's, Mama" (45). H... ...d not the measureless sky, her voice begins to sing a distinctly Chinese-American song. Kingston sings just as Ts'ai Yen "sang about China and her family . . . [from] savage lands," and speaking of her newly found identity, established in America but conceived in China, Kingston decides, "It translated well" (Kingston 209). Works Cited Hunt, Linda. "'I Could Not Figure Out What Was My Village': Gender Vs. Ethnicity in Maxine Hong Kingston's The Woman Warrior." Melus 12.3 (1985): 5-12. Kingston, Maxine. The Woman Warrior. New York: Vintage Books,1989. Ling, Amy. "Maxine Hong Kingston and the Dialogic Dilemma of Asian American Writers." Ideas of Home: Literature of Asian Migration. Ed. Geoffrey Kain. East Lansing: Michigan SUP, 1997. 141-56. Wang, Veronica. "Reality and Fantasy: The Chinese-American Woman's Quest for Identity." Melus 12.3 (1985): 23-31.