Hsm 230 Wk 6 Checkpoint

Freedom to Comment Reflection CheckPoint

HSM 230

October 26, 2012

Katisha Everett

Freedom to Comment Reflection Checkpoint

In working within healthcare it is hard to avoid discussion about people. I have to say I feel pretty fortunate to have the personality that stands strong and have no problem letting others know what they are doing right or wrong.

Once upon a time, I was covering someone while they were at lunch on a floor I usually do not work. There were several nurses describing a patient as a drug seeker. I have to say it really bothered me. Also, there were family members and patients who were walking past that could over hear these nurses. These nurses do not know this person well enough to judge them, and secondly, who are they to judge. They are in this line of work to save lives, to make a difference. Even though I did not feel it was any of my business as I was not part of this discussion, just merely a stand byer; I could not stand idly by and say nothing.

I walked to the group and made it known I wanted to say a little something. I kindly said, “Discussing patients at the nursing station for all to hear could make each of our next steps, out the front door. If this patient needs help to overcome whatever they are going through to get to this place in life, then maybe we should get our social worker involved. Otherwise, this is improper and instead of judging what others are, or how they chose to live their lives, maybe it would be best to bring our attention on getting this person help. After all, is that not why we chose this profession?”

Most agreed with me, and a few rolled their eyes and walked away. I am not there to make friends, just to save lives, and feel good about the care I give my patients. I love to share educational moments such as these because then, just maybe it will influence others ethical culture.