Gina graduated from an associate degree program in nursing and is working in a local hospital on a medical-surgical unit. Gina was introduced to Sue, a nursing student who is currently completing a clinical rotation on the medical-surgical unit. Gina has returned to school to obtain a BSN degree. Gina and Sue are having some difficulty agreeing on comfort care for a terminally ill patient.
- Read the scenario above and then, answer the following questions:
- a) Does Gina have the autonomy and authority to force a terminally ill patient to drink? Are autonomy and authority the same thing?
- b) Can Gina delegate care of the terminally ill patient to a nursing student? Consider the terms autonomy and authority and patient rights as you deal with this scenario. Also, consider the legal implications for Gina and then Sue, the nursing student
- Your pap should be:
- One (1) page
- Typed according to APA Writing Style for margins, formatting and spacing standards.
- Typed your pap in a Microsoft Word document, save the file, and then upload the file.
- Upload your file by clicking “Upload File“.
a) Autonomy and authority are not the same thing. Autonomy refers to an individual’s right to make decisions about their own healthcare and have control over their own body. It includes the right to accept or refuse medical treatment based on informed consent. On the other hand, authority refers to the power or right to give orders, make decisions, and enforce compliance. In the scenario, Gina, as a nurse, does not have the autonomy to force a terminally ill patient to drink. Autonomy lies with the patient, and they have the right to make decisions about their care, including whether or not to drink. However, Gina does have the authority to provide education and support to the patient, explaining the benefits and risks of drinking and encouraging them to make an informed decision.
b) Delegation of care involves assigning tasks to appropriate individuals based on their competence and scope of practice. In this scenario, Gina, as a registered nurse, may delegate certain tasks to a nursing student, such as taking vital signs or assisting with activities of daily living, under her supervision. However, when it comes to the terminally ill patient, it is essential to consider patient rights and the legal implications.
Patients have the right to receive safe and appropriate care from qualified healthcare professionals. While nursing students are part of the healthcare team, they have limitations on their scope of practice and level of experience. The decision to delegate care of a terminally ill patient to a nursing student should be based on several factors, including the complexity of the patient’s condition, the level of supervision available, and the nursing student’s competency.
Gina needs to assess whether it is appropriate to delegate care to Sue, the nursing student, considering the patient’s condition and the potential risks involved. Gina should also follow the policies and guidelines set by the hospital or healthcare institution regarding delegation and supervision of nursing students. It is crucial to ensure patient safety and provide the highest quality of care.
From a legal perspective, if Gina delegates care to Sue and an adverse event occurs due to negligence or lack of competence, both Gina and Sue could face legal consequences. It is essential for Gina to assess Sue’s competency and provide appropriate supervision to mitigate potential risks.
In conclusion, Gina does not have the autonomy to force a terminally ill patient to drink, as autonomy lies with the patient. However, Gina has the authority to provide education and support to the patient. Delegation of care to a nursing student should be done carefully, considering patient rights, the student’s competence, and the legal implications. Supervision and appropriate decision-making are crucial to ensure patient safety and quality care.