As an L&D nurse I have chosen not to participate in terminations. I am in no way being judgemental to those who do.....this is just my personal and professional decision. I have never had a problame with my employer.....in fact they have supported me completely. for example....19 weeker came in ruptured (with heart tones)....MD talked with pt extensively....pt agreed to pitocin. I talked with my charge nurse. No one on the unit that night wanted to take this patient. A nurse was called at home and came in to help. I took care of the patient until this nurse arrived. Of course treated her with the upmost dignity, respect, and compassion. Did not start pit...and gave report to the oncoming nurse. Everyone was very supportive of me....especially my charge nurse.
Fast forward....
A termination was already delivered when I came to work....I was assigned to her. I politly and privatly asked to be reassigned. I was told NO. This patient was already delivered and I had no religious bases for declining the patient. Again....I treated this patient with repect and compassion. However, the patient (who was very understandably emotional) was asking me things like "I did the right thing, right?" "Do people in my situation do the same thing" I am sure she has been asking herself these things to herself since the diagnosis. I didn't know what to say....this was why I didn't want to take this patient.....I didn't like being in this position!!! So I responed with statements like...."I know this was a very difficult decision for you" "is there anything I can do for you to make you more comfortable" I (hope) I never did or said anything to make this patient feel I was being judgemental.....
My questions is...what can I do or say in the future to keep this from happening again....this was a very uncomfortable situation for me.
