General Forums >> Ask A Nurse >> Ethics and RN liability
Ethics and RN liability
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Posted almost 5 years ago
Legally and ethically, I did not think we, as a licensed RN, were not permitted to tell our patients what they are diagnosed with until the physician has informed the patient of their illnesses or disease process. Secondly, I didn't think we, as RN's, were allowed to suggest to a patient "what they should or should not do". According to my neighbor and his wife, the doctor has told them nothing. She initially went in the hospital back in April for a spot on the top of her head which was skin cancer. I feel they should get a second opinion. Can anyone help me with this matter or direct me to where I can find information about my responsibilities and liabilities as an RN.
thanks. soon to be new grad in Ohio |
142 posts back to top |
| Posted almost 5 years ago Encourage a second opinion. I think the patient needs to be informed of all the options available and then if she decides not to do chemo, they can at least do radiation on the hot spots when she starts have pain if it metz. They may be able to just remove a portion of the lung and take care of it that way. You know John Wayne went on and did movies after they removed one of his lungs for CA. |
I am a nursing student who will graduate in December of 2008 as an RN. Just this week, my neighbors wife was told she has lung Ca by the nurse at the nursing home where she is currently staying for rehab post surgery. She and her husband have informed me the nurse told her she had lung Ca and that she shouldn't waste her time with chemo but to live her time out where she can enjoy the time she has left.
