Emergency contraception in the ER

[Squirrel]

I am considering going back into ER nursing after being out of it for many years. I have a concern about emergency contraception being given out in ERs nowadays, and I have moral and religious objections to this practice. I could in no way participate in this practice.

The questions I have for all of you are:

1. Does anybody else feel the same way I do, and if so how do you handle it?

2. If you work with anybody who feels the same way that I do, how do you handle it? Do you give the patient to someone else and respect the nurse's beliefs? Do you tell the nurse he/she has to do it no matter what his/her beliefs are?

I thank all of you in advance who will respond to my questions. I am trying to get a feel for what ERs are doing nowadays, and would really appreciate your input.

If I am granted an interview, I will ask these questions to the nurse manager and be upfront with him/her regarding my beliefs.

Thank you all!

[NRSKarenRN, BSN, RN]

Found on Medscape 2/14/02

Emergency Contraception

from Seminars in Reproductive Medicine

Abstract

Emergency contraceptives are methods that prevent pregnancy when used shortly after unprotected sex. Three different emergency contraceptive methods are safe, simple, and widely available in the United States. These are: (1) ordinary combined oral contraceptives containing ethinyl estradiol and levonorgestrel taken in a higher dose for a short period of time and started within a few days after unprotected intercourse; (2) levonorgestrel-only tablets used similarly; and (3) copper-bearing intrauterine devices inserted within approximately 1 week after unprotected intercourse. Emergency contraceptive use is best known for women who have been raped, but the methods are also appropriate for women who have experienced condom breaks, women who did not use any method because they were not planning on having sex, or women who had unprotected intercourse for any other reason. Unfortunately, few women know about emergency contraceptives, and few clinicians think to inform their patients routinely about the option. A nationwide toll-free hotline (1-888-NOT-2-LATE) and a website (http://not-2-late.com) can help women learn about these options. Sharing "family planning's best-kept secret" widely with women could prevent as many as a million unwanted pregnancies annually in the United States.

Full article (free registration required) at:

http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/421029?srcmp=ms-020802

[teeituptom, BSN, RN]

Howdy squirrel

good luck to you going back into Er nursing. And you are entitled to your beliefs whatever anyone may say. But you need to remember that everyone else has their own belief system that they live by. Also remeber what they teach you in your first year of nursing. Do not judge a patient but assess and intervene appropiately to assist them in their lifestyle. We are there only for that, not to impose our standards on them. If that were the case, Then I would not have to care for any republican lawyers.

Keep it in the short grass

teeituptom

[MQ Edna]

cmggriff: Now, if only we could come up with a "Common Sense" blowgun...just about every pt. that comes in to the ED would qualify.