We Got You Covered
A registered nurse joins the unit after successfully completing new employee and unit orientation. He had worked for 10 years in a similar unit at St. Elsewhere but grew tired of the 2-hour daily commute. He is thrilled to be working closer to home. The staff likes working with Tom. He is a friendly fellow and frequently brings hot donuts and coffee for the staff. He is always willing to help with lifting and turning patients and often is the first one to respond to patient lights. But Tom does not always follow through on his observations and physician orders; he often misses giving routine meds. The staff has taken to routinely double-checking Tom’s orders and the following shift often dispenses the missed meds. Over time, Tom continues to make intermittent “small” mistakes which cause no harm to patients and the staff continues to cover. Today, the Dr. comes in and notices that her patient is in atrial fibrilliation. She orders stat IV digoxin and cancels scheduled diagnostic procedures. This patient remains in atrial fib and, as you review his chart, you discover that Tom missed the last two routine digoxin doses.
- What do you do now?
- What are the benefits of continuing to work with Tom?
- Do the benefits outweigh the risks?
Apply Theory (Specific Professional Healthcare Competencies + Clinical Medical Ethical Principles) to Practice in order to provide Optimal Patient-Centered Care (OPCC)
Source – Santa Clara University, Markkula Center for Applied Ethics
