I can't choose a topic for my paper!!!!!!

[DMR1]

Hi everyone

So for one of my nursing classes, we have to select an issue that effects both the nurse and the patient, and discuss how the nurse and the patient deal with that issue. for example, if I were to do how a nurse cares for a patient with cancer, I would have to discuss how the nurse relates to the cancer patient, and how the nurse would care for the person.

As a male myself, I was originally doing my paper on how a male nurse can provide care for a patient who has stereotypical views of male RN's, but I'm TWO WEEKS into searching for articles on this subject, and have found none, so I have to switch my topic.

I might be thinking about doing something along the lines of a young patient dying of a disease, and the parents RESTRICTING the doctors/nurses from letting their child knowing what is wrong with them, but honestly I am not sure if this is a good topic. It was it on ER, and it really stuck out at me, so I may do that.

So anyway, what issues in nursing, in dealing with patients, do you think would be a good idea? What issues have you been through with patients, good or bad?

Thanks for anyone who has any input :)

P.S.-I am starting to really freak out with this paper. It has to be 8-10 pages, and although I started early, I had to switch my topic, now I feel like I'm running out of time! ahhhhh lol

[SJSU_Mami]

Here's one that involves ethics and religion: Jehovah's Witnesses refuse blood. But is it right for parents to refuse blood for their underage child that isn't old enough to understand it may be the last chance to save his life? Maybe you could use that? Hope it helps..

[DMR1]

OMG that is one GREAT topic...I'm actually shocked I didn't think of this on my own, because someone I met a while ago was in a car accident. He would have lived, but since he was a Jehovah's witness, he couldn't accept a blood transfusion, and he died.

Thanks so much for the topic. i am going to do a blend, sort of a 'mesh' between the jehovah's issue, and the confidentiality (weather to inform the young child about his/her conditions and the treatment)

thanks again!

[BarbPick]

How about a terminal patient and the starting of a morphine drip. Believe it or not, the morphine is not to make death come faster, it lowers the peripheral resistance of oxygen to breathe easier and is the ultimate cough medicine.

It is an agreement between nurse and patient. How does it impact them individually?

[Liddle Noodnik]

Originally posted by DMR1

now I feel like I'm running out of time! ahhhhh lol

I have always been a procrastinator in writing papers; I was taught in 9th grade English the "right" way to do it, pace it out over the amount of time allotted, file cards, etc. In nursing school and later college I'd just go get 8-10 quotes and zoom through it. Fortunately I was able to do this well!

I was successful because I would choose topics close to my heart. My thing always was psych/emotional/spiritual so I'd pick something in that area. My family was alcoholic so I did one on alcoholism (later found out I was alcoholic myself, ha ha!)

You might want to make a list of half a dozen topics that really speak to you (you have 2 so far) and check the internet to see if the topic is broad enough. Or maybe it's TOO broad. Based on that you will quickly see if there's enough meat for your "stew".

I should think there would be plenty on both your chosen topics!

Good luck, let us know how you make out!

[renerian, BSN, RN]

My son is a witness and yes it would be a very good topic.

renerian

[SJSU_Mami]

Hope your paper is going good.. your first hand experience of your friend should give you a lot of ethics to write about.. sorry about your friend though..

[PJMommy]

I like the bloodless topic...sounds very interesting. There are new bloodless products out there now which can be used by JW. The hospital I'm going to work at does a lot with this...you can find an overview at: http://www.saintjosephhospital.com/CWSContent/saintjosephhospital/ourServices/medicalServices/Bloodless+Medicine-Surgery+.htm

You can also work in information on giving Rhogam (for Rh factor incompatibility), etc. as these are blood-derived products. FYI...JW *will* take Rhogam as well as a few other immune globulins.

[wonderbee, BSN, RN]

How about taking care of an elderly patient with dimentia who's primary care is given by an elderly spouse who is also showing signs of dimentia? It happens a lot down here in South Florida. Presents social and educational concerns.