? on jehovah witnesses......and blood

[scared'o'needles!]

Hi, I have just joined the forum, I have been qualified 2 years now.

I was wondering if anyone can help me with some insight with the following.

I was working a nightshift with another SN that is a jehovah witness, there was a patient who had been admitted earlier that day with a low HB and needed 3 x RCC transfusion asap. The nurse whom I was working with told me that because of her beliefs she would not check or have anything to do with this duty:o. I had to arrange for the hospital co-ordinator at night to come down to the ward to assist me in setting up and checking the RCC. This caused a delay in the pt treatment as I had to wait till the co-ordinater was free to assist:-{

My question is was she right to put her beliefs and values before patient care. I know that there is issues in connection to JW not wishing transfusions for themselves etc., but surely as a nurse practitionare she should be putting the pt needs first?

I wanted to challenge this but being newly qualified at the time I was a bit unsure of my knowledge in this:uhoh3:. The nurse co-ordinater was also reluctant to do this due to political correctness, I have since researched this and have found nothing that forbids them performing this duty for others. Maybe I am looking in the wrong places for this information.

Thanks in advance for any insight anyone can give:up:

[deege58]

My reply was directed to "warpster".

[ImAgypsy]

Re: ? on jehovah witnesses......and bloodI am one of Jehovah's Witnesses and have been a nurse for 24 years, primarily in labor and delivery...not once has this ever been a problem, i made it clear that i would do everything but spike the bag from day one.....All of you that have such issues with us...have you ever seen a delay in treatment??? It seems to be the usual witness bashing...btw, i generally work level 3 L and D and have had no issues..I think you have covered this issue ad nauseum...

deegee58,

I have absolutely NO Problem with anyone of any religion or lack of; I am sorry that you, as a Witness, are taking this so personally. I made a point in my first posting in this thread to offer several other examples of where a person, working in the medical profession, could or would be tempted, to assert their personal beliefs/practices; to the detriment of providing the care that a Patient has either consented to, requested, or needs. Whether or not that is based upon a religious or non-religious belief.

I think it is perfect that you made your personal limit clear with your employer, that you would not be the RN to spike the bag of blood products; and as long as everybody you work with is aware of that, and there is another RN on hand to perform this task; then there is no problem.

But I ask you, totally in theory right now; as I do not know how staffing is in your facility; to answer this if you can

(no need to if you either can't or choose not to, I don't want to put anybody on the spot or feel threatened in having to defend their beliefs);

Scenario: You are on duty in the Labor Room area as the only RN; the Gyne and all other staff are in delivery rooms, you have a patient who has just started to hemorrage, (for whatever reason); the best you can do is get an order on the phone from a Doc who tells you "Transfuse her with 10 units of FFP STAT"; the only other licensed person on hand is a LPN, who IS allowed to check the blood product with you; but not allowed to spike the bag; it's all up to you right here, right now....

Now tell me, would you really delay doing such because of your personal beliefs to not receive any blood products? Would you impose your beliefs on the patient who is not a Witness and delay providing the ordered treatment for a life threatening situation?

I don't think any body worth their license in medicine would; personally, I would EAT their blood if necessary to save the patients life if that's what was required of me at the time; and I am not one who practices any forms of canabilism....(not only do I not practice it, apparently I don't know how to spell it either...)

Just Wondering. Gypsy.

[rn/writer, RN]

Closing this thread for a bit.

Using phrases like "religiously prissy" and suggesting that people who have any religious restrictions shouldn't even enter the field crosses the line into disrespect.

Most folks are willing to look for ways to get along. They understand that many of us will, from time to time, have special needs of one kind or another. People who want to find common ground and support each other can usually come up with solutions that take care of everyone.