Discussion board 6.1: Difficult situations

Name of student:

Institution:

Nursing is viewed as a very important profession because of the increase in the need for health care in the society. However, it is associated with some challenges that nurses often face in their work. In my nursing field, I recently experienced a difficult situation with a physician. A misunderstanding arose between the two of us.

We had an argument whether to allow euthanasia for a patient or not. Because of the different educational approaches that the members of health team have experienced, conflicts are bound to occur (Schaffer &Norlander, 2009). The patient was critically ill, and everything possible had been done to assist him, with no desirable results. The physician perceived this as a professional failure and argued that it was good to give the patient some treatments that would completely end his suffering. I was against the physician’s idea. As cited in Schaffer & Norlander (2009), when a patient’s prognosis becomes difficult to decide, conflicts on what to do may arise. I was for continued care while the physician was for the euthanasia. I was to follow the physician’s order, but I did not find it ethical. According to Watikinson (2009), a patient should have the right of autonomy, right to treatment and informed choice about any treatment that they may receive. This conflict of ideas made the physician think that I lacked respect for him.

To end this conflict, I tried to reason with the physician and show him that my point of view was not based on competition or disrespect, but concern for the patient and his relations, together with the moral torture that would follow after such an act. I used some strategies like telling the physician to focus on interests, because everyone wants the best for their patients (Schaffer &Norlander, 2009). I also reminded him about the outlined objective criteria that were established in the hospital. In addition, I reminded him about The Human Tissue Act 2004 as cited in Watikinson, (2009). It outlines the law and ethical issues underpinning health care, and states that the family members should be informed of the care their patient is receiving.

References

Schaffer, M. & Norlander L. (2009). A Nurses’ Resource for End-life Communication. Indianapolis, IN: Renee Wilmeth.

Watikinson, S. (2009). Issues in Ophthalmic Practice: Current & future challenges. Cumbria, UK: M&K Update Ltd.