The Importance of Patient Care and Etiquette: A Nurse’s Role in Post-Procedure Care

When discussing a nurse's responsibility to ensure a patient has necessary aids, like glasses, after a medical procedure, concerns about cruelty and proper etiquette often arise. It is crucial to examine the context and possible reasons behind such scenarios to understand the appropriate course of action.

Context of the Situation

This article will address instances where a severely visually impaired or blind patient, who cannot walk or see without glasses, might not receive their glasses immediately after waking up from a medical procedure. This scenario raised the question: would it be cruel for a nurse not to give the patient their glasses, or should a report be made if this occurs?

Common Reasons for Delayed Aid Provision

There are several valid reasons, aside from deliberate cruelty, that might explain why a nurse might not provide a patient with their glasses immediately after waking up.

The Nurse's Burden

Nurses have a great responsibility to care for a multitude of patients during their shifts. It is not uncommon for their work to be quite chaotic and demanding, especially during busy shifts. Hence, multiple patients may be in their care at any given time, with varying needs. This multi-tasking environment can easily lead to momentary lapses in memory, paperwork, or even simple patient care items like glasses.

Post-Anesthesia Care

Post-surgery, a patient is in a recovery phase and should be treated with utmost care. The nurse's priority might be ensuring the patient is stable and safe from immediate risks, like falling or injuring themselves. Ensuring glasses are easily accessible only comes after the patient's safety is assured. If glasses were to be knocked or misplaced, it could complicate the recovery process.

Proper Etiquette in Patient Care

The correct course of action for a patient who values their glasses and wishes for immediate care is to politely inform the nurse. Asking, “Would you mind giving me my glasses? I can’t see without them,” is an appropriate and respectful way to request assistance. Alternatively, leaving glasses with a trusted family member or friend can ensure the glasses are always at hand and prevent delays in care.

Understanding Intentions

When considering reporting a nurse for suspected cruelty, it is essential to understand the context and intentions. Accusations based on miscommunication or lack of immediate action should be approached carefully. For instance, a nurse forgetting to provide glasses may not be out of malice but due to a high patient load or the complexity of the post-procedure care required.

Personal Experiences

A personal account can help illustrate the complexities involved. One patient's three-month hospital stay, where they were unable to move from the neck down, highlights how a nurse's assistance with retrieving glasses can significantly improve the patient's experience and emotional well-being. Not only did it enable the patient to see, but it also restored a sense of normalcy and gratitude for the small gestures of care.

Conclusion: Addressing Concerns with Tact and Understanding

In summary, if a patient has concerns about not receiving their glasses immediately after a medical procedure, it would be advisable to communicate their needs politely. Understanding the context and realities of a nurse's duties can prevent unnecessary misunderstandings. If the issue arises continuously and is out of the ordinary, reporting to the proper authorities can be appropriate. However, if the nurse intended no harm or forgot momentarily due to the high demands of their role, it is best to let it go and move forward, appreciating the care received.

By maintaining understanding and clear communication, both patients and nurses can work together to improve overall patient care. Nurses and administrators should also strive to make patient care policies more accommodating and less burdensome to ensure that every patient's needs are met in a timely and respectful manner.