Difficult decisions?

Nurses Professionalism

Published

Specializes in Reproductive & Public Health.

This is decidedly NOT a homework question. I am genuinely curious now to hear some stories about difficult decisions we have made in the line of duty. This really is one of those questions that only really gets asked at job interviews, with the expectation of a canned answer that demonstrates your sticktoitiveness and go-getter attitude.

But I bet there are a lot of really good answers to this question that might be thoroughly inappropriate for an interview response (or homework assignment).

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Decisions need to be thought out and made based on what a patient would like, what is feasible, what the patient needs in relation to their wishes, and after thorough patient education. It is a team sport.

Emergency decisions--get as much support/input as you can.

One may be the biggest "go-getter" in the bunch. However, it is not about the nurse. It is about the patient. And sometimes what a patient wants/needs/requests would not be what we think should happen, but as a nurse, that is not our personal goal--it is theirs. And to honor and respect that patients have the right to control their course of treatment is paramount.

You may find yourself advocating for some wild stuff. For some painful stuff. For some "are you out of your mind" stuff. However, we can only advocate and do what we can to meet patient needs.

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Deleted comment. (Wrong thread)

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