Ethical Dilemma

[kmcmillan]

Hello, I am a second year nursing student in London, Ontario, and I am writing an ethical dilemma paper about the refusal of nurse to treat a patient based on his previous crime. We are on a forensic unit and the patient's offense was pediophilia. He was diagnosed with schitzophrenia. The nurse refused to continue to care for the patient once she learned of this. Is this okay to do because it would affect the nurse-patient relationship, or is it prejudice and ethically/legally wrong to refuse to treat a patient for any reason. i have my own opinions, but i am interested in some other input. if anyone has any thoughts, please let me know. thanks.

[Cameelrn]

I hope I won't find out what my prisoner-patient's are guilty of. I know it would affect how I feel about them if they were sexual predators. I found out a cute older gentleman that I enjoyed having as a patient had beat his wife to death, and it changed everything for me. I try not to think what my prisoner-patients did. Ideally we are not told. If a nurse knows and cannot give the patient the kind of care they need, and there are others who are available to give the patient care, then I think it would be a good idea to switch them. Difficult question....

[kmcmillan]

Thanks so much for your reply. The situation was on a forensic mental health unit and it was one of our placements. I understand the whole not wanted to be around someone who has done these types of things, but i also understand the fact that they deserve to be treated for their illness. Thanks again, it's great to have an experienced nurses opinion.