This is an experience that I have had during a clinical rotation at UNE. I feel that this story has shaped the kind of nurse I hope to be. I was able to identify personal bias and an ethical dilemma and responsibly remove myself from the situation. This has taught me therapeutic communication skills that are only learned by experience.
Thank you, Isabella, for sharing so thoughtfully and articulately about this encounter during your clinical, and your experience in caring for this complex patient – complex in their health status & medical needs, but also in the emotional impact of their situation. I can absolutely understand why this patient, and your role in their care, has remained with you. What an incredible yet challenging learning experience this was for you, and how fortunate that you had a preceptor who, through her own actions & concern for self, modeled such admirable behavior for you.