Let me preface this thread by stating a few things:
1. I'm not posting this thread to bash certain religions, I'm posting to vent, gain understanding, and get a variety of views.
2. Whatever your belief, please respect the beliefs of others.
That said, I admit to not understanding how parents can stand by and watch their child bleed to death.
Teenager, throwing up blood for 2 days, H & H 6.1 and 17.0. Platelets 14. WBC 1.0. Pancytopenia. A religion that does not allow blood products or transfusions. Essentially we will be watching this patient die. As the majority of us know, some fresh frozen plasma, units of packed cells, the ability to SAFELY do an EGD and the patient would be discharged home in about 2 days.
Instead, in 4 hours when the next CBC was done, the Hgb was down to 5.8.
I overheard the attending doc asking the charge nurse to assign a "kind" nurse as this was a "difficult" case. I felt that was unnecessary, because as hard as it is for all of us to watch this, we still treat the patient and family with compassion.
My main point: I'm hoping someone could explain to me, how in the world can you stand by and allow your child to die?
Harsh question, and I'm sure an age-old question, but I do not and can not understand it.
As far as JW who are medical personnel and the use of blood products in the clinical setting: This is a matter that is left up to the individual's conscience. There are some that feel it would violate their conscience to administer blood; these individuals usually will work in an area where transfusions are not given to avoid conflict in the workplace (e.g. I know someone who is a JW and an RN; she has chosen to work in psych to avoid the blood issue).
There are others who will administer the transfusion; on a personal note, I fall into this category. Just as I feel that no one should impose his/her values on me, I feel that I cannot impose mine on a pt. I am not saying that I feel my view is more correct...it is a matter of conscience. The only official position there is on this is that there should be no criticism from others in the congregation for whatever choice that person makes (in other words, MYOB).
NS: Perhaps the conflicts in your family r/t your sister being a JW have more to do with her personality than the religion. My parents and I are the only JW in our family, and we have managed to get along peacefully.
Comments like that, IMO, have nothing to do with the main issue and come across to me as denigration.
NS: Perhaps the conflicts in your family r/t your sister being a JW have more to do with her personality than the religion. My parents and I are the only JW in our family, and we have managed to get along peacefully.
Comments like that, IMO, have nothing to do with the main issue and come across to me as denigration. [/b]
Thanks for replying. I have no doubt it has more to do with her personality than anything else.
I have been following this thread closely. It is evident. from reading this bulletin board, of the difficult decisions/ethical dilemmas nurses face regarding patient's deaths -- possibly due to not accepting blood products. I have seen such wonderful results for both elective and emergent surgery. With educated staff, proactive nursing, and physicians dedicated to bloodless medicine and surgery, much can be done to help patients receive excellent health care with very positive results. A small example -- just think that the AVERAGE ICU patient loses about 1 liter of blood each week on blood draws!!!! Judicious bloodwork & pedi tubes can help make a difference.
I am fortunate to work in a large hospital which has an outstanding Center for Bloodless Medicine and Bloodless Surgery (CBMS). Upon admission, each patient is asked if they would be willing to take blood products in an emergent situation. Every JW I have encountered is extremely well educated regarding bloodless medicine, carries an identification card, etc. -- I have found their families to be extremely supportive. Immediately, we beep the director of CBMS -- we have outstanding resources. I strive to primary every JW on my floor. I have done extensive research regarding JW & bloodless medicine. I continue to be supportive of their religious/cultural beliefs -- their beliefs are not mine (I'm Catholic) -- but that is not the point. I'm talking about competent, informed patients with the right to make decisions. A difficult/ethical dilemma at times for nursing -- absolutely.
Positive things can come out of this thread. What policies/protocals does your facility have regarding bloodless medicine? How can you support your patients? Perhaps the doctor should not have used the term "kind" nurse -- rather, he should have used the terms "a nurse who is familiar with bloodless medicine." As a fellow nurse, I'm not judging another nurse regarding this issue -- (student nurses -- this is an EXCELLENT research topic for a cultural presentation!) Peace to all.
Thank-you, Susanmary for an excellant post. I did not even KNOW that a Center for Bloodless Med and Surgery even existed.While we all have our differances sometimes, if never fails to amaze me what I learn on this board. Also, thanks to Fab4 for the education on JW and your beliefs.
One great thing about nursing, always more to learn and explore.
Check out Nursing Spectrum's magazine articles. Go to the Northeast section -- March 10, 2003 -- article on bloodless medicine and surgery is outstanding. This is so much information out there -- and it's vital to get correct information. Again, hopefully some positive things will come out of this post -- what are your facility's policies/protocals regarding bloodless medicine? Peace to all.
geleesa
19 Posts
you know what? I consider myself to be a fine lady. I am entitled to my opionion. I dont deserved to be "bashed" by you.