What suggestions would you make to your fellow nurses?
In this scenario two nurses are discussing a patient. Dakota is a new RN and she is working with an elderly patient. A situation has arisen and she does not know what to do. She approaches a coworker, Chanelle, for advice.
Watch the skit and then respond to your discussion questions.
Dakota: Hey Chanelle I need some help with a patient.
Chanelle: Sure, what is going on?
Dakota: I have been so busy all day. And I have so much going on. One of my elderly patients is taking up a lot of my time. I was trying to explain DVT Prophylaxis, her medications, and trying to teach her about anticoagulants. She just sat there staring at me like I was crazy. She has no idea what I am talking about. I am not sure what I am doing wrong. I am getting frustrated and stressed out. It is affecting the time I can spend with the other patients.
Chanelle: Listen, Dakota, you are a new grad and have a huge caseload today. So I would say just leave her. We know what we are looking for with DVT Prophylaxis and all the anticoagulants. We can watch her. If she isn’t understanding it is ok.
Dakota: I just don’t have time for this and I am so stressed out.
Chanelle: We both have a lot to do today. Let’s just go get lunch. We’ll watch over the old lady, trust me she’ll be fine. You know what you are doing, that is good enough.
Now answer the following:
Discuss how you would respond to this situation.
What suggestions would you make to your fellow nurses?
Why would you respond in this way?
When thinking about how you would respond, think about the ethical dimensions of the dilemma portrayed. Consider 1 of the 4 key ethical principles you read about this week.