Image from: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/nyu-langone-medical-center-partially-reopens-after-sandy/
As nurses, our primary role and responsibilities in the event of a disaster is patient safety. Nurse’s roles were exemplified during Hurricane Sandy when NYU Langone medical center needed to evacuate their patients. Nurses and other staff members were urgent to bring patients to safety. Due to our compassionate nature, we desire to help others in need, but ethical components can come into play. Provision 2 of the ANA Code of Ethics states a nurse is responsible for the patient. Yet, provision 5 states a nurse is responsible for themselves. I believe the Code of Ethics says you are not required to put yourself in harm’s way, but it’s dependent on your judgment. I feel it’s best you take care of yourself; that way, you can take care of your patient. Otherwise, someone will need to take care of both.
As I reflect on prior learning, patient safety is something emphasized in every class. What stands out to me is the precautions that are put in place by the CDC. In Adult Health II, I learned that tuberculosis is an airborne illness. The presence of tuberculosis requires nurses to wear an N-95 mask, the patient to wear a mask, an ensured airborne infection isolation room, and limited patient movement. The reason for nurses to wear an N-95 is for the safety of the nurse and other patients. The reason why the other precautions are in place is also for the safety of other patients.
Hi Munib,
Firstly, I love how you incorporate visuals into your reflections. It adds liveliness to your posts!
I agree with what you wrote regarding this topic. Sometimes it is hard to form a decision when both our patient’s life and our own life is at risk. Due to our compassionate nature like you said, we tend to help others and sometimes more so than we do for ourselves. We must learn down the road that our own health is equally as important as the patients. You already mentioned that it is best that we take care of ourselves so that we can provide better care for the patients; this is an area that many practitioners in our field must learn how to do better. When we are overwhelmed with patient care, we tend to impede our health in the process. I feel it is great that you have this mindset of self care!
I agree. Thanks!
Have you ever thought about including a little bit more than just your articles? I mean, what you say is important and everything. However just imagine if you added some great visuals or videos to give your posts more, “pop”! Your content is excellent but with images and video clips, this blog could undeniably be one of the very best in its field. Very good blog!
Thank you! I’ll keep that into consideration for my future posts!