Phil 120
M3: Journal Reflections
Journal Reflection #1
I would not allow the CNA to give the medicine. In 4.1 of the ANA’s code of ethics it
states that “nurses must always comply with and adhere to state nurse practices, regulations
and standard of care”. Having the RN be the specific person to hand out medicine would be an
example of a regulation. If the nurse allows the CNA to do it, they are breaking regulation. In
this scenario, the delegation of tasks seems to be more important than timely medicine. The
head nurse could come under scrutiny for not following protocol and I cannot even imagine the
consequences if the CNA were to mess up and cause harm to one of the patients.
Journal Reflection #2
I think the pregnant nurse in this scenario is ethically right. Provision 5.2 in the nurse’s
code of ethics focuses on personal health, safety, and well-being. It says that nurses have a duty
to provide care for not only their patients but also for themselves. If a nurse must work with a
patient that could potentially cause harm to themselves (or their unborn child) then they are
not following the guidelines laid out in provision 5. It maddens me that this charge nurse is not
supporting the safety of this pregnant nurse or her child. I could see if the situation were
different and the nurse had a moral issue administering the medication and the charge nurse
stayed firm on her assignment. But when it comes to health, this charge nurse should have
thought differently.