Hypothetical Ethical Issue

heron, ASN, RN · Sep 30, 2011

Now you know why correctional nurses are discouraged from trying to learn the details of inmates' offenses.

Pepper The Cat, BSN, RN · Sep 30, 2011

Now you know why correctional nurses are discouraged from trying to learn the details of inmates' offenses.

That is a good point. Never thought about that. I don't know much about correctional nursing.

merlee · Sep 30, 2011

A patient is a patient is a patient. In ERs everywhere, they struggle to save both the possible perpertrator, as well as the victim.

In jails and prisons the inmates (some of whom may not have been tried yet) get the apropriate treatment for whatever ails them.

On a daily basis we do what we can. And who knows what each patient has done or is capable of doing? Do we ask each of them what crimes they may have committed? Sometimes we don't even ask all the questions that we need to ask!!!

So no question for me - - the best care that I can give is what I will always give.

xtxrn, ASN, RN · Sep 30, 2011

I wouldn't do anything to withhold anything due for EOL care. But I would have a HARD time taking care of him. A really, really hard time.

xtxrn, ASN, RN · Sep 30, 2011

Now you know why correctional nurses are discouraged from trying to learn the details of inmates' offenses.

Unfortunately, their parole officers don't know either. THAT is nuts.

OCNRN63, RN · Sep 30, 2011

Absolutely. The justice system already dealt with him. It's not my job to punish patients.

That Guy, BSN, RN, EMT-B · Sep 30, 2011

I would politely refuse that assignment.

GimiRN · Sep 30, 2011

I would treat him the same as any other patient. I was a hospice nurse (LPN) for two years while I was in nursing school (RN). And I always treated each patient with the same level of kindness and care, even those who weren't very nice to me in return.

My mentality is, if I were to withhold any type of care from someone out of spite or my own personal feelings/beliefs, it wouldn't make me much better than the person who I felt did wrong.

JessiekRN · Sep 30, 2011

What if every nurse "politely refused that assignment"? My apologies if this offends anyone's sense of self righteousness..but really we aren't in this profession to judge patients..we don't get to choose our patient assignments, nor are we going to like every patient we meet. Our responsibility is still to provide safe, non-biased nursing care. With the key word there being "non-biased". Would you refuse to take care of a patient who contracted AIDS through homosexual sex, because you have religious obligations against homosexuality? Or refuse to care for a post-abortion patient because you disagree morally with abortion? Obviously I realize my examples are distinct from the OP's argument, but the point is the same- we don't have the privilege of determining whether our patient's choices are in alignment with our own ethical standpoints. We follow MD orders, provide nursing care, and keep any negative points of view away from the patient, as best we can. It's part of nursing and part of being human. You won't like every individual you meet. That has nothing to do with giving the person the best nursing care that you can. Regardless of what they have or have not done in their lifetimes. We're medical professionals.. leave the judgement to the higher up.

xtxrn, ASN, RN · Oct 1, 2011

Part of being human also includes having feelings that may not be the best towards a patient; no harm done just acknowledging them :)

If someone does take the assignment they need to give the best care they can. Doesn't mean they have to like it...

JessiekRN · Oct 1, 2011

I'm going to risk angering quite a few people but I'm going to go ahead with my thoughts anyhow. Since when did we become the morality police??