Global Citizenship and Equality

[nursetwe-ety]

Hello everyone

I am currently a pregrad RPN student. As one of my final assignment i must right a relflective essay on " unjust" nursing practice or inequality a have witnessed within my clinical placement. For some reason i am having trouble finding a topix as a feel that i have not witness inequality within my clinical environment so far. it can not be abuse.....

I am look for hint or examples as to what inequalities or unjust practices you guys may have witnessed within a longterm care or nursing home environment.

thanks in advance for you responses.

[herring_RN, ASN, BSN]

Some inequality I have witnessed in the past:

• Insufficient nursing staff so that more time is spent with residents who have frequent visitors or who are able to verbally ask for what the need or want.
  
• Licensed nurses given a free meal, but unlicensed nursing assistants and housekeepers have to bring their own lunch.
  
• Linen closets locked. Rationing of supplies unless certain visitors or regulators are expected.
  
• VIP residents catered to while others are ignored.
  
• Letting incontinent people be wet until just before the next shift. Then bathing and changing linen.
  
• Being rude to disoriented residents because no one will believe them if they tell.
  

[JuliaRNMSN]

You could start by looking at funding source for clients. What source does the agency receive funding for the clients care? There are many but the common sources are: Medicaid and or Medicare/private/long term care insurance. How does funding source influence care? I hope this helps. I worked for one organization that had some folks receiving Medicaid. I noticed that a medicaid client was not eligible for a bowel medication even though there was a documented history of ileus. At the same time, other clients were reimbursed for the same bowel med (Miralax) from their funding source(s). These clients had no history ileus.

[xokw, BSN, RN]

I believe the OP is in Canada, this will change things.