I have a question for anyone willing to take the time to give me their two-cents worth.
Scenario: Nurse has a pt. Male. His SO stays w/ him at the hosp. They are both homeless. They are living out of a van. For whatever reason, these two have really touched the heart of the nurse in the two days that she has gotten to know them. Pt and SO have a small dog. She is very attentive to dog's needs...outside q1-2h to let dog out of van...ensures windows are partly open. Pt is disabled (severe COPD, requires crutches to amb). She is not disabled but has no official address or phone number to offer perspective employers. Pt was working but during his last hospitalization, his sleezy employer essentially stole (repossessed) his truck saying that he was not able to fulfill his verbal contract because he was in the hospital and knowing pt did not have funds to get attorney to fight for what was rightfully his.
Question: Is it unethical for the nurse to offer to sponsor (i.e. allowing pt and his SO/fiance to move in her home) this pt and his SO once he is d/c'd from the hospital?
Please, don't point out the dangers of letting total strangers move in w/ nurse. She feels that she is generally a good judge of character and has very rarely been "burned" in the past. She does not feel that they are the type to pilfer and steal. She has no long distance service available on her phone line (she uses only cell phone for long distance calling). And, even if they were the type, she is willing to take the chance. She is just looking for possible ramifications from the nursing perspective.
I think it's great you want to help them, but I have to agree with everyone else. I agree with contacting social services. In our area we have several homeless shelters, that provide housing and job training skills to help these people back on their feet. Perhaps there is a facility in your area like that? I volunteered for the one in my town during high school and they really take good care of these people, and they help people who are willing to just help themselves.
I agree with all above. As a former social worker, I cannot even begin to list the potential tragedies you may encounter. I admire your bigger than life heart, many blessings to you. However, any one who has ever worked social services can tell you countless horror stories of manipulation, danger, etc. And they are trained specifically to "root out" issues, etc.
Please get social services involved to address their needs. Also, with reference to his former employer, there are many legal aid agencies where those without resources are able to obtain legal assistance for free. Social services should be able to make a referal.
(post deleted, I thought you were talking about taking care of their dog, not them.... yes, it's too dangerous for you to take the homeless couple in. you'll see countless stories like this in your career, and yes, it's heartbreaking)
Question: Is it unethical for the nurse to offer to sponsor (i.e. allowing pt and his SO/fiance to move in her home) this pt and his SO once he is d/c'd from the hospital?
I think it's inappropriate. It winds up being a mix of the personal and professional life.
Brinley
24 Posts
I think it's great you want to help them, but I have to agree with everyone else. I agree with contacting social services. In our area we have several homeless shelters, that provide housing and job training skills to help these people back on their feet. Perhaps there is a facility in your area like that? I volunteered for the one in my town during high school and they really take good care of these people, and they help people who are willing to just help themselves.