The Most Shocking Incident in Nursing: A Devastating Moment
Every profession has its share of ethical dilemmas and challenging moments, but the healthcare industry can be especially fraught with them. In nursing, more than most, the stakes are high, and the expectations are equally demanding. However, witnessing a colleague's actions can be one of the most shocking and disturbing experiences. In this article, a former head nurse recounts a harrowing incident that left a permanent mark on her career path.
A Shift in Perspective
My journey as a nurse began in ophthalmology, a field that required a high level of detail and patient care. Despite the challenges, it was a job I enjoyed. However, opportunity knocked in the form of a transfer to a hospital's neurology floor. This move came with a new role as the head nurse for the south wing, alongside another nurse responsible for the north wing.
The Culture Clash
From the start, the atmosphere was tense with her. The other head nurse had a brusque demeanor and was often aloof and dismissive. This made my transition to my new role more challenging. However, as head nurses, our duties extended beyond our respective wings and could sometimes impact the entire floor.
The Incident Unfolds
One day, an urgent situation arose that transcended the usual north-south divide. I needed advice, and the only way to get it was to speak with the other head nurse. After a fruitless attempt to find her at her station, I located her in the last room on the north wing. What I encountered there was both shocking and deeply troubling.
The nurse was attempting to insert a naso-gastric (NG) tube into a stroke patient. The patient, already in a fragile condition, was crying, choking, and sputtering, struggling against her as she tried to insert the tube. Instead of pausing the procedure and allowing the patient a break, this nurse shouted at the patient to cease his efforts and cooperate. The patient, responding to this uncontrolled aggression, panicked, thrashing wildly to dislodge the tube.
At that moment, I witnessed the nurse physically assault the patient by slapping him hard across his face. My instincts kicked in, and I shouted at her, trying to intervene. In a state of shock and horror, I realized the dire situation we were in. Having acting unethically, the nurse perpetuated further distress for the patient and myself.
Reflection and Outcome
Post-incident, it was clear that the other head nurse would face consequences. However, to my surprise, the consequence was not severe. Despite slapping a patient, she was not suspended. Instead, she was ordered to attend in-service training on NG tube insertion techniques. I later learned that she had made a veiled threat to sue the hospital if she were to lose her job, a leverage she believed would protect her from being fired.
A New Beginning
Witnessing such a traumatic and unethical incident profoundly impacted my decision-making. I felt I could not work in an environment where such actions were absolved so quickly. I requested a transfer to the neurosurgical intensive care unit (ICU), a decision that would shape the course of my career for the next two decades.
The experience taught me some significant lessons about professionalism, the importance of patient care, and the critical role of ethical behavior in nursing. It highlighted the need for stricter ethical standards and better support systems for nurses facing difficult situations without compromising their own well-being.
Conclusion
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of ethical conduct and the necessity for healthcare professionals to advocate for their patients. As a fellow nurse, this account aims to raise awareness and foster an environment of trust, respect, and ethical responsibility within the nursing community.