• Home
  • BOOK SHOP
    • Kylie's Stories
    • Other books by Maria Jordan >
      • Mysterious & Miraculous Book I - News and Reviews
  • BLOGS
    • mar's Desk
    • Inspiration Station
    • Poetic Ponderings
    • marcoujor on Hubpages
  • I Recommend...
  • Contact Me
  marcoujor's musings

mar's Desk

​This multi-topic blog publishes weekly on Wednesdays.
Thank you for the visit and please enjoy the reading.

Home

marcoujor: Nursing from the Inside Out

5/11/2016

24 Comments

 
Picture
I challenge my students on every clinical visit to learn everything possible through observation and interaction with fellow nurses and supervisors. Nurses, new and old, can appreciate and assimilate positive behaviors and styles that we encounter.

Thankfully nurses can also decide how to never behave after witnessing or reading about others' actions with patients.

As a clinical instructor, I carefully observe my students' demeanor and style on the unit.  I am actively looking for implementation of The Golden Rule - in every opportunity presented to advocate on behalf of the patients. 

My students enter their behavioral health rotation - identifying their anxiety levels, which range from panic / fear to excitement / mildly anxious. I've discovered that nursing has room for all personalities - shy, soft-spoken, funny, engaging, etc.- as long as the patient comes first. I've witnessed joyful moments - when the most reserved students discover their voice when supporting, encouraging, even fighting for their patients. These are beautiful opportunities for the students to gain confidence and belief that they've chosen a profession that thrives on patient - centered care. 

Nurses are expected to display Moral Behavior. This requires serious critical thinking about how to treat / advocate for their patients. Traits such as respect, compassion, caring and sensitivity are golden in nursing students - as these traits are more inherent than taught. 

Nurses have a responsibility to uphold Ethical Principles in all decisions about patients and actions performed as a licensed nurse - as detailed in the American Nurses Association Code of Ethics for Nurses. 

Plainly stated, all nurses have the right to 'think' anything they choose, yet all nurses have a moral responsibility to practice the same ethical behaviors, including:

  • Autonomy ~ a right for all rational beings to determine their destiny (or appoint another when incapable of making choices) 
  • Beneficence ~ a duty to help, benefit or promote the health, coping, good of others
  • Nonmaleficence ~ "Do no Harm" to any patient, including physical, emotional, spiritual, financial...       
  • Justice ~ a responsibility to treat everyone equally, regardless of economics, medical condition, race, religion, sex
  • Veracity ~ a duty to be truthful, including diagnosis, treatment options, prognosis...
From thirty years ago to present day, I can imagine behaving in no other way as a nurse - actually, as a person. 

I recently got an email from my friend and writing colleague, Vicki Warner of WarnerWords, who lives in the beautiful surrounds of Sechelt, BC. 

Please take a moment to read the article that Vicki shared with me, especially if you are a former student or practicing nurse:

​I'm sending this to you because I thought it might be useful info for one of your classes.

B.C.'s College of Registered Nurses has cancelled the registration of a care home director who gained power of attorney over an 86-year-old patient and took the woman's coin collection.


http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/nurse-elderly-patient-power-attorney-discipline-1.3571282

​My initial reactions to this tragic story included indignation, anger, and disappointment with the 'nurse' and sadness, protectiveness and heartbreak for the patient - who was betrayed and harmed on many levels.  Sadly, every ethical principle outlined above was seriously violated by this individual. 

Objectively, I know that nurses are people.  And people make the wrong choice every day for a wide variety of reasons. 

Whether B.C.'s College of Registered Nurses or the U.S.'s State Board of Nursing (or whatever regulatory body of the profession of nursing exists in your country), all nurses are held to these ethical standards. 

In cases where a patient is harmed (including negligence, abuse, etc) or a nurse behaves in a nonprofessional manner (including substance abuse, criminal charges, etc), the consequences range from temporary suspension (accompanied with a remediation plan of action and supervision of same plan) of license to permanent dismissal.

In conclusion and in the lyrics of Michael Jackson..."one bad apple don't spoil the whole bunch". In my experience, I have encountered a few of these 'bad apples' - grateful that they chose to move on from patient care (whether independently or result of State Board decision).
Picture
Image via Kasman (Bill Kasman) of Pixabay. Click the pic to visit his gallery.
​On the contrary, I have encountered and worked with hundreds of nurses over my career that clearly upheld my 'first and foremost' condition of excellence:  'I would choose this nurse to take care of me (or someone I love)'.

Should there come a day when you, as a nurse, cannot apply the Golden Rule, I urge you to immediately re-think your career choice, at least temporarily.  If your situation is personal (family, marital, etc), you may need to take a leave of absence until the personal matters are resolved / in decent control.

In moments of clarity, should you realize the patients are not your priority, it's time for a more permanent transfer or change. 

At the end of every day, I love being a nurse - whether directly or indirectly through teaching my students to enhance and express their kindness genes. I consider myself grateful and blessed to still love my work and the people I encounter.

Wishing all patient-centered nurses (and students) everywhere a Happy Nurse's Week.  If you forget the dates, it doesn't matter...please take every honest opportunity to thank a nurse who has touched your heart through action and presence.

Thanks for sharing this painful example and reminder, dear Vicki of 'how not to behave'  with those patients who rely on and trust us so completely.  Thanks to my readers for sharing with your circles as well.

ShoutOuts

☙Degradation via RainsWriter
☙April Showers ~ What they're 'pposed to bring via Horse Biscuits
☙Hummingbird Haven via WarnerWords
☙Max du Preez: Of Kids & Trampolinesvia flashPress

​Until next week, sending you kindness and self-compassion, mar
24 Comments
Peg Cole link
5/11/2016 08:10:04 am

We all hope to get the sort of caring, thoughtful attentive nurse that you describe here with ethics and quality foremost in their priorities. I can remember a few of either kind over the years.
When my Dad was in his last days, I was grateful that the nurse, Beth, was the kindest and most loving, honest and truly gifted nurse ever. Her compassion and dedication was present in everything she did. In other circumstances, I've seen the opposite - where the nurse should truly have chosen a different profession.
Like in many jobs, everyone has good and bad days. In the medical field, their duties are made more difficult by the need to leave behind their personal or family issues and concentrate on the patient's needs. I remain in awe of those who serve beautifully in this challenging profession.

Reply
Maria link
5/12/2016 07:30:40 pm

Thanks for being the first to comment on this post, dear Peg.

I value your feedback and thoughts as you are one of the finest examples of a patient advocate for your loved ones that I know.

Beth sounds like an A++ nurse - so happy she was of help to you and your dear father.

Love you, Maria

Reply
Vicki link
5/11/2016 08:36:52 am

Dear Maria,
Thank you for being inspired to write this. I love how it so clearly defines the code of conduct expected of nurses, who are trusted to come through in the most intimate care by patients and society in general. They do a huge job, and such a caring one, in most instances. You are an extraordinary example, as you set the bar high for your students, and help them to see your vision of how their caring and behavior should look.
Thank you so much for using my concern as another teaching moment for your loved and highly respected students.
Love and hugs to you, nurse extraordinaire!

Reply
Maria link
5/12/2016 07:27:52 pm

Dear Vicki,
A million thanks for sharing this disturbing article with me. And yes, teaching moments are the way to go, as I see it.
Thanks for sharing and caring. Love and hugs to you too, mareer

Reply
Martie link
5/11/2016 10:46:12 am

Happy Nurse Week, dear Maria!

If each and everyone simply adhere to the rules and ethic codes of their career, this world will be a much better place.

Sadly, if you have evil in you, it will manifest in all your endeavors.

Looking forward to your next post :)

Martie

Reply
Maria link
5/12/2016 07:23:56 pm

Your remarks are wise and perceptive, dear Martie. I always value your visits and insights.

I'm planning an Inspiration Station post for Sunday - see you there! :)

Reply
Ashley C.
5/11/2016 08:13:24 pm

Happy Nurses Week Professor Maria...Thanks so much for sharing this post.

Reply
Maria link
5/12/2016 07:21:36 pm

Awesome to see you here, dear Ashley - the kind of student who has chosen the perfect profession for your personality. All the best!

Reply
Gail Sobotkin
5/11/2016 08:37:28 pm

Dear Maria,
This is a beautiful post in honor of Nurses Week. As always, I enjoyed reading about how you teach your students ethics and the importance of treating all patients with respect and compassion.
And I admire the fact that you teach by setting a shining example for them to follow!
Am going to share this on FB.
Love and Hugs,
Gail

Reply
Maria link
5/12/2016 07:19:49 pm

So good to see you, dear Gail... one of the most competent and compassionate nurses I call friend.

Thanks for these beautiful remarks and Happy Nurse's Week to you as well. Love and hugs back, Maria

Reply
Theresa
5/11/2016 11:21:41 pm

Dearest Maria,

Wonderfully insightful article here. I've seen the good and the bad, unfortunately. You have certainly shared your wisdom and particularly if one's heart is not in nursing, to please change careers for all concerned.

I know without a doubt the students you teach are surely to become the finest nurses, full of compassion and all that it takes to care for others with love. Well, they have a great mentor in you!

Love,

Theresa

Reply
Maria link
5/12/2016 07:14:05 pm

Ah, thank you, my 'unofficial nursing' friend, sweet T.

Thanks also for your patience with the Weebly commenting process. It makes your visits even more appreciated.

Love you too, Maria

Reply
Kimmie Thompson
5/12/2016 12:02:00 pm

Happy Nurses Week to one of the most caring nurses I know! It was such a blessing to have been a nurse for 18/years and my.patients taught me so many wonderful lessons in life. Each time my parents have gone into the hospital I see seeds blooming that were planted through the years coming forth. Each nurse unique in their own special way.
God bless you my friend
Love and hugs
Kimmie

Reply
Maria link
5/12/2016 07:11:25 pm

What a lovely way to regard those young nurses that we see so competently filling our shoes, dear Kimmie.

I know your patients (and families) loved you to pieces. Happy Nurse's Week to you too. Love and hugs, Maria

Reply
Sannel link
5/12/2016 02:04:04 pm

Dear Maria,
Happy Nurse week to you and your fellow nurses!
Thank you for a beautiful and interesting post. I believe your students must be the luckiest, most privileged students on this planet to have you as their teacher. They all will become attentive, kind, honest and thoughtful nurses-gifted nurses just like their teacher. Perhaps those nurses, like the ones that Vicki shared, would not have done what they did if they had a caring, compassionate and wonderful mentor like yourself when they were students?
Love and hugs to you,
Sannel

Reply
Maria link
5/12/2016 07:09:12 pm

Ah thank you, dear Sannel - you are most kind and supportive in your comments here.

I feel grateful to work with my students at the impressionable stages of their journey - and indeed see role modeling as an ideal form of instruction.

Love and hugs to you too - will be emailing you soon about your note, Maria

Reply
Angelia Phillips link
5/12/2016 03:41:07 pm

Prof. Mahreer,

If all nurses were as kind, caring, compassionate and knowledgeable as you those I associate with in the literary circle, wow ... we'd never have to worry about poor quality of care.

I'm thankful to know way more whose work and professionalism are loaded with the personal touch incorporated into their clinical expertise. I'm also grateful to those who are willing to stand up to what's right in medical care rather than allowing the bullies to rule and cause harm that often can never be undone and often affects more than the patient, but those who are about them and leaves a negative impression and suspicion on those who consistently adhere to best practices.

Great read and sharing!

Reply
Maria link
5/12/2016 07:04:58 pm

Thanks for your supportive and insightful remarks, dear femme.

I also appreciate your sharing and the assist you so graciously offer on my website. Love and hugs, mar

Reply
Ruby link
5/12/2016 04:23:37 pm

Dear Mar, I hope your students realize how very fortunate they are to have you as an instructor? I read the story of the nurse who took advantage of the woman, and stole her coin collection. I have a story to share with you. This happened years ago. I was working in a nursing home and admitted an older woman in her 90's. She had a beautiful ring her husband had given to her on their wedding day. It was a large diamond with many smaller diamonds. I asked her if she wanted me to put it in a safe security box, she said, " Oh no, I never take it off. When I returned the next day it was gone. Someone had removed it while she was asleep. If it had happened these days, a lie detector test would have been done. Someone on the second or third shift was the culprit. I felt so sorry for her. She was never the same. God bless you as you do your work to instill goodness in your student's. Shared on twitter.
Hugs...

Reply
Maria link
5/12/2016 07:02:33 pm

What a heartbreaking story...I cannot imagine the kind of person who would stoop to such a level.

I am grateful that most nurses I've known are as loving and compassionate, my gem of a friend.

Thanks for sharing as well, sweet Ruby. Hugs, mar

Reply
Mike
5/12/2016 07:33:38 pm

Hello mar. You do your profession proud. Happy Nurses week to you. good to know all the secrets are being passed on to the next generation.

Reply
Maria link
5/12/2016 07:38:12 pm

Thanks, dear Mike - I do believe in sharing it all with our youth - the hope for all of us.

Hope you've had a lovely day. Hugs, mar

Reply
crazyhorseladycx
5/20/2016 03:39:56 am

howdy, ms. mar ~

that story broke my heart, but sadly happens more oft than folks think. one'f the hospice nurses stole some jewelry from my mother-in-law prior to her passin'. thankfully we'd camera's installled (hidden, 'f course 's there were concerns with her 24 hour help...who were innocent) 'n got to see firsthand where schtuff was goin'.

i worked't our local hospital fer o'er 16 years 'n we'd some fine nurses, who throughout their careers embodied all that'ch've written here. 'n then there were those who really needed to do some reflectin'.

not e'erybody's the mindset to put their lives aside durin' a shift 'n tend to their patients's they'd wish fer 'emselves/'r a loved one to be treated. sadly'n these parts, nurses're rather scarce 'n the administration tends to turn a blind eye - particularly'n our nursin' homes, where the elderly aint got a voice.

perhaps we jest need a lil sunshine fairy such's yerself to come'n sprinkle that love 'round?

big hugs 'n love!

Reply
Maria link
5/20/2016 08:02:19 am

Dear Lady,
Your comments are perceptive and insightful - you really get it about what the heart of a true nurse looks like.
What a magical thought - I'd love to be a sunshine fairy!
Love and thanks for your visit, mar

Reply



Leave a Reply.

    RSS Feed

    Enter your email address:

    Delivered by FeedBurner


    The Web Only Your Site

    Marcoujor

    Welcome to my desk...

    I am a work in progress, so a rule of thumb is to expect the unexpected every week!

    Pull up a comfy chair and make yourself at home.

    Thank you,

    mar  



    Archives

    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    October 2014
    August 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013
    November 2013
    October 2013
    September 2013
    August 2013

    Thanks for Sharing!

    Popular Posts

    On Schizophrenia
    For the Love of Reading
    Kindness Does Not Discriminate
    A Healthy Recipe for a Balanced Life
    Playing the Game of Life
    Behind the Scenes at the Carriage Driver
    Remembering Mary
    How Wonderful
    The Legend of David Bowie
    Resolutions & Revelations
    The Gift of Life in Death
    The Charitable Spirit
    I Recommend
    The Magic of Soul Music
    Thanksgiving Leftovers
    ​Musings on Gratitude
    ​Perfection and Peace
    ​Everlasting Memories
    Adele Saying ''Hello''
    My Hero: Bruce Castor
    The Happiness Habit
    What Matters
    My Health Coach
    Vanity Views
    ​Just a Nurse
    ​Today is a Gift
    Everybody Hurts
    Bathroom Blues
    TIPS on Writing
    Self-Love or Selfish... ?
    The Power of Feedback
    A Balancing Act
    From Alphabets to Artichokes
    Findings on Finger-Labyrinths
    "Tell me a story, Kimmie..."
    Lessons of the Heart
    Sharing a Melody
    The Pleasure of Polarities
    The Ocean and Everything
    Letter to Sunshine
    Take Care of Yourself
    HOME
    GIFT SHOP
    AD SERVICES & SPONSORS
    BLOGS
    CONTACT ME
    I Recommend...
Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.
  • Home
  • BOOK SHOP
    • Kylie's Stories
    • Other books by Maria Jordan >
      • Mysterious & Miraculous Book I - News and Reviews
  • BLOGS
    • mar's Desk
    • Inspiration Station
    • Poetic Ponderings
    • marcoujor on Hubpages
  • I Recommend...
  • Contact Me