Blood transfusions??? just say no...

hiddencatRN, BSN, RN · Jun 11, 2011

You know, for a question that comes up pretty frequently I'm surprised at the responses. There are areas of nursing where it's possible for the OP to avoid compromising her beliefs or "pushing religion" on anyone.

If anyone wants to rehash drama why not search for that recent thread started by another Jehovah's Witness on the same topic.

Penelope_Pitstop, BSN, RN · Jun 11, 2011

There *are* bloodless hospitals.

Where are you located? Several regions have hospitals with at least a designated "bloodless medicine" program.

Check out Bloodless Healthcare International...a google search turns up a wealth of information!

macgirl · Jun 12, 2011

I'm in NC.

Penelope_Pitstop, BSN, RN · Jun 12, 2011

I'm in NC.

Duke University, Thomasville Medical Center and Forsyth Medical Center all have Bloodless Medicine programs. Of course, NC is a big state so I'm not sure how close they are to you, but it's a thought!

MunoRN, RN · Jun 12, 2011

I work with some Nurses who are JW and I've asked them about this before. Maybe there are not as familiar with JW doctrine as you, but they didn't know of any JW doctrine that forbade them from administering blood, only receiving it. How would you determine which actions are acceptable (checking the blood as you've stated), vs which one you are forbidden from doing? Can the OP enlighten me?

BrooklynRN26 · Jun 12, 2011

Wow, this topic really stirred people up. I wonder why so many became so defensive? The original post was merely a request for information and guidance. Let us all remember that we are here to help one another, not berate and become defensive with each other over differences.

So to answer your question... like another post said, maybe you should look into home health or positions outside acute care. If you want to work in a hospital, there are bloodless programs/units and they are becoming more prevalent. Also, maybe perioperative nursing.

Another note...many are saying that we would do our patients a disservice by refusing to transfuse them. Keep in mind that bloodless programs are becoming more prevalent not only because of religious views, but because it's good medicine. Check out the website http://www.noblood.org or do a google search.

Good Luck!

Nccity2002, MSN, RN · Jun 12, 2011

OP, had you discussed your dilemma with your Church pastor?

Maybe he can give you some guidance from a spiritual standpoint.

From a practical standpoint, it is hard enough for new grads to find employment out there...now, why would an employer hire you, over someone else who they did not have bend backwards to accommodate their religious beliefs ??

Something to think about for future interviews....

HippieGypsyGirl · Jun 12, 2011

We have addressed this in school. Just get someone else to do it for you. It doesn't make you a bad nurse or pushing beliefs....it makes you faithful to your beliefs and I totally respect that! :up:

nohika · Jun 12, 2011

We have addressed this in school. Just get someone else to do it for you. It doesn't make you a bad nurse or pushing beliefs....it makes you faithful to your beliefs and I totally respect that!

Unfortunately, it's not as simple as "getting someone else to do it for you." If someone told me to do that, I'd be extremely POed at them - I have my own workload to deal with. As bratty as that sounds, the way nurses are being spread so thin, "just make someone else do it" is harsh and could easily throw the nurse off on an especially busy day.

I agree with what some others have said - your religion forbids YOU from doing it, not from other people. Don't judge their actions based on your religion.

bunsterj · Jun 12, 2011

i used to work with a jw nurse, and she didn't have a problem with her patients receiving blood...her attitude was it was their choice. i also used to work with an aide that didn't want to have anything to do with blood (our aids used to pick up our blood for us) ...including getting a quick temp. i don't think you need to change careers as some have suggested, and i bet if you look around there is probably a group of jehovah's witnesses nurses. as others have suggested, discuss this with your pastor, but i often find that one leader will say one thing and another will say something else. you have to decide what in your heart (with a trusted adviser's guidance) is the correct action for you. it is my understanding that your primary problem is the actual spiking and hanging of the bag of blood/blood products. as an rn, that is an easy and non time-consuming task and i would gladly swap you that for a simple dressing change, etc. if you let me know about it at the beginning of our shift or as soon as you know about it.

CCRNDiva, BSN, RN · Jun 12, 2011

I was raised as a JW and while I'm not a currently practicing JW, I don't think I would consent to receiving a blood transfusion. I don't, however, have a problem with providing blood transfusions to a consenting patient. I look at it as that is their body and their decision.

I think the above posters have some good ideas. I would look into some non-acute or outpatient jobs or even jobs in blood-less medical units. That's the beauty of nursing, our job prospects are so diverse. You should be able to find a specialty that fits.

tokmom, BSN, RN · Jun 12, 2011

i believe i was asking about that. also, it takes 2 nurse to verify the blood would it be really so hard for another nurse to start the blood? after all they would just need to spike the bag and get it going. i could do something for them instead like wound care if it was a time issue.

blood transfusions are very time consuming. you coudn't do enough for them to make it equal, other than taking over the care of their patients.

with that being said, look into home health or something of that nature. maybe outpatient surgery center?