Personal Choice and Power

¶ … Yes, she should have reported the abuse, it is morally, ethically and legally the correct decision.

There are always attorneys that will provide pro bono services, as well as federal and state agencies that assist individuals with the lack of funds in legal situations.

Whistle blowers can keep written records of verbal and other forms of attempted intimidation that will allow them to press forward with any actions they deem appropriate. The law supposedly protects whistleblowers from retaliatory actions taken against them, and it is always nice to have an attorney that will explain those rights to the individual, and certainly, with or without an attorney, written records is the obvious step towards covering your own butt.

Intimidation is power, and power can be used for good purposes or for nefarious purposes. It is up to the individual involved to make a personal choice as to how to use this power. The most appropriate idea is to not use intimidation at all, although at times it might be necessary in order to facilitate a quick and efficient response in times of health care emergencies or situations.

As stated in question 4, intimidation is a form of power, and it can be used for good. Power takes on many different forms, and it is important for the health care professional to remember the Hippocratic oath and apply it in every situation, even if the person doing the applying is not a doctor. Ethics play a strong role in the shifting tides of power, and it might be beneficial for all involved to remember that power is a strength that will ebb and flow during many different situations and circumstances in life.

Case Study

The nurses have not done enough in this particular case.

Going to the Physician's peer review group would be a good idea, especially since this doctor is dealing with precious newborns and their very attentive parents. Handling the problem through the peer group makes good sense as it is still an internal response, and can be handled quietly and efficiently, unless, of course, the doctor does not change his behavior.

The next step in this process would be to approach outside groups, but only if the problem is not rectified on an internal basis. In any event, the media is the last resort in a problem such as this, preferably a group such as the State Nurses Association or the Department of Health would be able to take corrective measures in these circumstances.