#PatientCare – JRM Nurse Consultants

May 05 2020

Compassionate Nursing During COVID-19: Providing Comfort and Prayer

With so much fear surrounding COVID-19, many patients are experiencing anxiety and even fear of dying. Some ask for prayer as a source of comfort. In these moments, a nurse’s response can have a profound impact.

In some hospitals, staff may focus more on protocols or personal agendas rather than the patient’s emotional and spiritual needs. A nurse’s own beliefs can also influence how they respond. For example, in a Christian hospital, a nurse who is comfortable with prayer can ask the patient if they would like to pray together. But if a nurse is less religious, they can still offer meaningful support by simply staying present, holding the patient’s hand, and providing a reassuring smile. These small gestures can provide the comfort the patient needs without compromising personal beliefs.

During COVID-19, many staff feel hesitant due to masks, gowns, gloves, and face shields. However, even with these precautions, nurses and healthcare providers can show empathy and care. A warm touch, attentive presence, and compassionate listening can make a huge difference to a fearful patient.

As nurses, we are reminded that care is not only about physical treatment but also emotional and spiritual support. By balancing safety with compassion, we can help patients feel valued, heard, and cared for—especially during challenging times like a pandemic.

Reference:
DeNisco, S. M., & Barker, A. M. (2012). Theory-based advanced nursing practice. Advanced Practice Nursing: Evolving Roles for the Transformation of the Profession (2nd ed., pp. 5–18). [Vital Source Bookshelf].

May 05 2020

Compassion Comes from the Heart

As nurses, we have the ability to use compassion and genuinely want the best for our patients. We understand our patients and want to help them find the treatments that will support their health. However, not all healthcare providers exercise cultural competence or respect patients’ beliefs and wishes.

We must validate patients’ feelings, including fears about providing for their families. Some hospitals have case managers who prioritize financial considerations over patient safety, quickly sending patients elsewhere if they lack insurance. In these situations, nurse case managers and social workers act as peacemakers, advocating for the patient and refocusing the team on their care.

Cultural competence is key. Sometimes, healthcare culture imposes beliefs on patients, expecting them to accept a specific treatment method. The reality is, patients have a choice. When options are explained clearly, patients can make informed decisions that are best for them.

Healthcare staff need to remember that cultural sensitivity means respecting differences. Just because someone does things differently does not mean it is wrong—it is simply different (Barr & Dowding, 2012).

I’ve seen cultural dynamics in my own management experience. As a manager of a multicultural nursing and social work team, I encountered a nurse with a thick island accent. Her patients loved her, but another manager from England criticized her communication during case presentations. I defended her skills and case validity. Although the manager did not respond verbally, she challenged everything I said afterward. Situations like this discourage employees and can impact team morale.

Cultural competence, respect, and advocacy are essential for nurses. By fostering understanding and inclusivity, we create safer, more compassionate environments for patients and staff alike.

Reference:
Barr, J., & Dowding, L. (2012). What makes a leader? Leadership in healthcare (2nd ed., pp. 32-44). [Vital Source Bookshelf]

April 04 2020

Religious Ethics in the NICU: Balancing Beliefs and Life-Saving Care

The ethical situation that comes to mind this week is religious ethics. This theory focuses on religion, often shaped by a parent’s upbringing and older family members. For example, Jehovah’s Witness parents do not allow blood transfusions. This becomes critical when a baby in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) needs a transfusion. In such cases, the treating neonatologist may need a court order to administer the transfusion. In extreme emergencies, if two doctors sign off that immediate action is necessary, the baby will receive the transfusion while the court order is pending.

As a parent of a premature baby myself, I could not imagine not doing everything possible to save my child. Yet religious ethics prioritize the parents’ beliefs, even when medical decisions are life-saving (Denisco & Barker, 2012).

The parents’ refusal can hinder care, but nurses must promote family-centered care, involving caregivers in decision-making whenever possible (Meadow, Feudtner, Matheny Antommaria, Sommer, & Lantos, 2010).

I recall my experience in a level 3 critical NICU, where many rooms were open due to the infants’ conditions. I watched a baby deteriorate rapidly, and the healthcare team discussed urgent transfusion needs openly. As a parent, it was heartbreaking. As a nurse, I wondered how I would handle such a situation, balancing professional responsibilities with compassion for the parents.

The nurse manager at the time criticized the parents, calling their decisions ignorant. While part of me understood her frustration, the compassionate nurse in me knew these parents faced an agonizing choice. I reminded the manager that, regardless of personal opinions, our role was to support the family, ensure the infant’s safety, and provide care—whether or not the parents agreed. By law and ethical standards, the baby would receive the transfusion if medically necessary, often by court order, but our empathy and guidance were essential for the parents during this crisis.

With religious ethics, we may not agree with the family, but as nurses, we must respect their customs and beliefs as long as the baby’s life is not in immediate danger. Compassion and empathy guide us in navigating these difficult situations.

References:
Denisco, S. M., & Barker, A. M. (2012). Advanced practice nursing: Evolving rules for the transformation of the profession (2nd ed., pp. 569-581). Retrieved from https://campus.capella.edu/web/library/home

Meadow, W., Feudtner, C., & Matheny-Antommaria, A. H. (2010, April 13). A premature infant with necrotizing enterocolitis. Special Articles – Ethics Rounds. http://dx.doi.org/10.1542/peds.2010-0079

April 04 2020

Telehealth Nursing: Supporting Patients from Home

Our technology has advanced over the years, allowing nurses to manage patient care not only in hospitals but also via telephone and home visits. With the global pandemic, telehealth nursing has become more important than ever.

As an independent nurse consultant, I provide essential medical information to patients and their family caregivers via telephone and telehealth. This requires strong communication skills and the ability to identify concerning signs even from a distance. Telehealth has grown significantly in recent years. According to the American Academy of Ambulatory Care Nursing (AACN), telehealth practice began when RNs were available by phone to ensure patients had access to healthcare, triaging them to the appropriate level of care.

Many people ask what I do for work. I educate and assess my patients about medications, symptoms, and chronic conditions. I ensure they follow up with their primary care doctors or specialists and develop care plans tailored to their needs. I also work with injured workers, navigating treatment and coordinating light-duty work with their employers.

Telehealth nurses allow doctors to monitor patients who cannot visit the office frequently. This team-based approach promotes autonomy, engagement, and active participation in one’s healthcare. Telehealth is especially beneficial pre- and post-surgery, providing guidance, reassurance, and follow-up care for patients during these stressful times.

During emergencies like Hurricane Dorian, preparation is key. I assess patients’ needs for special-needs shelters, create disaster plans, and ensure each patient is safe during and after the event. Telehealth and home visits help maintain continuity of care even in difficult circumstances.

Most of my patients receive both in-person and telehealth visits to keep communication lines open. While COVID-19 has extended my workdays to 16+ hours, 6 days a week, I am grateful to continue providing essential care safely.

Recently, someone left a sign at my door that read: “Praying for healthcare heroes and first responders.” I am honored to be part of the profession supporting patients at home during this pandemic. Every telehealth visit includes COVID-19 guidance, and my patients know they can reach me with any questions.

Today, find a healthcare worker and show your appreciation with a kind word. We are working tirelessly for the health of our country.

(P.S. Pardon the garden—we planned to plant flowers, but COVID-19 has kept us too busy!)

Years of experience in Work Comp, Case Management, Disease Management, Utilization Review and Prior Authorization.

Tag Archives: #PatientCare

Compassionate Nursing During COVID-19: Providing Comfort and Prayer

Compassion Comes from the Heart

Religious Ethics in the NICU: Balancing Beliefs and Life-Saving Care

Telehealth Nursing: Supporting Patients from Home