Learning Outcome #2

The second BSN learning outcome states, "Integrate reliable evidence from multiple perspectives to inform practice and make reasonable clinical judgments." I met this outcome by completing a discussion on the ethics profile in nursing 4030, and by completing a discussion in nursing 3300 on cultural differences in nursing. 

Nursing 4030 Discussion:  

Ethical dilemmas are always challenging as nurses, especially when HIPPA and patient confidentiality are involved. For me, it is always hard to decide what to do because I can see both sides of the argument. In Tom’s case I can see why the nurse would want to keep it confidential, but I can also see why she would want to tell his supervisor. If I were in this situation I would have also chosen not to share the results of the toxicology screen. Beneficence would be the way I would go: advocate for and protect Tom. I would choose the route because HIPPA is clearly outlined and any violation of this code can be detrimental to the nurse. “HIPPA calls for protection and privacy of medical information including any information whether oral or recorded in any form or medium, that is created or received by a health care provider, health plan, public health authority, employer, life insurer, school or university, or health clearing house” (Smith, 2000). Although I wouldn’t share Tom’s results anyone, I would advise him to stop his behaviors and seek help.

References:

Smith, S. P. (2000). Are you protecting your patients' confidentiality? Nursing Economics, 18(6), 294-297+. Retrieved from https://search.proquest.com/docview/236931999?accountid=27045

Nursing 3300 Discussion: 

One of the cultural differences the textbook states is the distance people stand when they are communicating. For example, those from Canadian, American, and British cultures, tend to feel uncomfortable when they have to sit or stand close to one another (Andrews & Boyle, 2008). This could be misinterpreted as paranoia or social anxiety. This misdiagnosis could easily affect these individual’s lives. It could cause others to not want to discuss things with them in fear that they can’t stand too close to them, or possibly a belief that they are scared of them. This could cause for some miscommunication and misunderstanding. An article I read about mental health misdiagnosis stated, “misdiagnosis of attention deficit disorder by one defendant educational tester resulted in the defendant family practitioner prescribing Ritalin” (Fiesta, 1998). We don’t want our patients misdiagnosed with a mental illness because things like this article mentioned could potentially happen. Mental health is defined as a state of well-being in which the individual realized his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stress of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to his or her community (Andrews & Boyle, 2008). We want all our patients to be mentally healthy, and we don’t want them to be misdiagnosed with a mental illness if they don’t have one. We need to be aware of cultural norms and not misinterpret them as a mental illness.

References:

Andrews, M.M., & Boyle, J.S. (2008). Transcultural Concepts in Nursing Care (7^th ed.). Philadelphia: Woltera Kluwer Health/Loppincott Williams & Wilkins.

Fiesta, J. (1998). Psychiatric liability: Part 1. Nursing Management, 29(7), 10-1. Retrieved fromhttp://search.proquest.com/docview/231422289?accountid=27045

Reflection: 
Through these two discussions, I have met learning outcome #2. The first discussion regards ethical dilemmas and that relates to the learning outcome and making reasonable clinical judgments. The second discussion relates to cultural differences and decision making. This relates to the learning outcome through using different perspectives to care for patients. In my day to day work, I take into consideration cultural differences and use that to make the most reasonable clinical judgments.