The nurse as a citizen in the community

Nurses General Nursing

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I want to start by saying that I am a nursing student and this is my first time posting on a nursing forum website.

My question to anyone who wishes to respond is how do nurses tie in their role as being a private citizen with their training in nursing care? For instance, when passing a car accident, does the nurse feel an obligation to stop and see if any assistance can be provided? Even something as simple as being a high school football game and someone gets injured playing under the bleachers, does the nurse take action to help with first aid? These are just a couple of examples that come to mind when trying to figure out how the nurse acts when not a work. I know that common human decentcy can prevail in both these situations but I guess what I want to know is that how would a nurse react to the situations? Would he/she feel the need to help, or just let someone else take charge? I know in school, the professors stress the nurse as a role model in the community and I personally feel that someone in need deserves my attention and the more knowledge I can bring to the situation the better. I'd like to see what others think in regards to these situations. Thanks in advance for any replies. I'm sure they will be most helpful.

NU

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First, I recommend nurses join a professional organization, like ANA, in order to have a voice in the community and in their profession. Next, I believe most nurses would have a hard time passing up an accident. I am always relieved to see EMS there and will just keep going as they are in good hands. But if I was the first responder I would stop and do what I could. Some nurses carry first aid equipment with them, but I don't. My first aid is my BLS knowledge and my cell phone.

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Howdy. I'm not a nurse yet, either, but I have been an EMT and I know that we usually always had at least one nurse or doctor stop at most accidents on the freeway in our very rural area (high summer traffic area with tons of people on vacation). I suppose it is ok to stop and see what can be done, but when the EMT's get there it's good to get out of the way and let them do their thing. Most of the time when I was an EMT they did step back, but sometimes we'd have to say "Ok, do you want me to sign this patient over to your care right here and now? No? Then please stay out of the way." :)

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Thank both of you for responding to my questions. Both replies were exactly what I was looking for and it gave me the different perspectives that I needed in order to get a feel for how the role of the nurse is intertwined in his/her role in the community. Again, thanks for your time and response.

NU

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Specializes in Education, Acute, Med/Surg, Tele, etc.

It is really important to keep your profession away from your home life! When I come home from work...I take off the nursing cap and put on my mommy apron and wife hat so that I can be both those roles to the people that matter to me the most! Very hard to be a nurse, mom, and wife...and much of the time the family doesn't like the ol NURSE role in me anyway...I sound way to lecturing!

As far as accidents...it depends. I am mandated by my state to stop and ask if I can be of assistance at any accident I see...stating my title and name (and being able to provide proof). Normally when I come to a scene...police/fire/Paramedics are already there, and the chain of command has been established and they don't need my help...but if I come onto a fresh scene...I stop, declare my title and name and try to help till relieved of duty. That is my States mandate...

Now..do I actually do it! Since I am so into EMS..yeppers! And have saved many folks for my quick action (quicker the better!). Helps to have a fire chief as a father in law, and a paramedic hubby..LOL! But lucky for me...doesn't happen often!

Also, I look first and foremost as scene safety...do I have my kids in the car? Am I on a freeway that my presence...not knowing road safety for EMS...would be a danger? Is it a water rescue...I am a strong swimmer but without back up is it safe to do such not knowing what the currents are? You must take that into account!!!! No one benifits if you die or are injured...

The funniest thing is the fact that it is a blessing NOT to tell general public you are a nurse...cause I will tell you I find out more interesting bowel habbits from folks that hear I am a nurse and tell me the WHOLE story! Like I am an MD!?! I find it best to be MYSELF at home and social time than to say I am a nurse (oh heck..when I was new I told EVERYONE...big mistake..LOL! I am the first person they call..even before 9-11 because they want my advise on whether to call 9-11 or not...UHGGGGG!).

Takes some practice, take lots of patients, and you will find the niche between your career and home life. I find it is very best to keep them VERY apart...I mean...I was a fun loving helpful person before with no medical info to my name and got along swimmingly with no stressors with others..now I am their friend, but nurse first to them...UHGGGGGGG!

Good luck!

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Specializes in Med/Surg, ER, L&D, ICU, OR, Educator.

Yes, I feel obligated to stop and help on the highway, at the game, in the mall if EMS is required. Just to get things going, and then to quietly walk away when those "on duty" arrive.

It is mandated too, but I feel obligated regardless of that. Many who have no training at all feel the obligation to help where ever they can and step up too. I'm glad they do. We can all use a little help now and then.

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

Great thread! Okay, yes I do always stop for an accident unless EMS/police are on scene. As to what I do for my community - I am a volunteer pre-hospital RN on my rural fire/EMS squad and I also run the food pantry at my church. I belong to the Emergency Nurses Association and the Illinois Society of Advanced Practice Nurses as well. I am not as politically active as I would like to be, but when school gets done in May 06 - I would like to be more politically involved with issues concerning nursing.

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All of these different perspectives have been fascinating! I really feel encouraged after reading the replies because for the most part, everyone feels similar to how I feel. Unless anyone else has anything to add, I'm going to close out this discussion by thanking everyone for their time and responses. Everyone of you helped me out and it means a lot to me. Thanks again.

NU

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