Act now to reduce impact of staffing crisisNursing Times
Dilemma
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Should nurses tell management about inaccurate ward statistics?
20-Jan-2009
A nurse is aware that the ward statistics are not being correctly reported to the management. She knows that this is because the ward would benefit financially from the inaccuracies. Should she take any action and if so what? -
How can I work in an effective way so my skills are enhanced?
2-Dec-2008
It appears to me that a number of specialist nurses are visiting the ward these days and, as a result, the care I am left to carry out is at a very basic level. How can I work with these nurses in a more effective way so that my skills are enhanced? -
Flexible hours for carers
27-Oct-2008
A nurse who also cares for a relative with disabilities asks for some time off because the relative’s primary carer is going on holiday. The NHS trust employing her says it would not be convenient at that time. What are her legal rights, if any? -
Validity of advance decisions
21-Oct-2008
A Buddhist has made it clear that in the event of his being unable to make his own decisions he does not wish to have pain relief. He is admitted in the terminal stages of cancer and clearly in pain. Nurses want to give him analgesia but his relatives are refusing. -
MRSA compensation?
7-Oct-2008
A patient complains that, as a result of contracting MRSA infection following routine surgery for a hernia operation, she has lost out on a lucrative contract for her work as a trainer in a health club. What are the legal consequences? -
Refusing treatment
26-Aug-2008
A 17-year-old is on ineffective dialysis and refuses other treatment. His family supports the decision but it could be life threatening. Can consent be withheld? -
Organ donation
18-Aug-2008
Following an accident a patient is on ventilation and is not expected to survive. He is carrying a donor card. However, his relatives have stated that they want to overrule the wishes expressed on the card. -
Should I leave the ward?
30-Jul-2008
I am a good staff nurse on a busy surgical ward but I think some community experience would help me better understand what happens to my patients upon discharge. -
The hostile relatives dilemma
30-Jul-2008
I feel I am doing a really good job on my ward, and my manager has told me so. However, I am told that I do not handle hostile relatives very well. What can I do to deal with these situations more effectively? -
Teenage termination
18-Jul-2008
A girl of 14 has a termination but does not want her parents to be told. Before staff are happy to discharge her she asks to leave the hospital as her parents are expecting her home. Can the hospital call her parents? -
Becoming a mentor?
16-Jul-2008
I feel the students on our ward get a raw deal. No one seems to have time for them and they do not appear to be learning anything. I would like to help but don’t know where to start. What approach should I take? -
How can I make sure my grading is right?
15-Jul-2008
I used to be graded at the top of band E but, following AfC, I am at the top of band 5. How do I move through a gateway to band 6? My managers don’t know if this is possible and don’t seem to know what the KSF is -
Corporate manslaughter?
21-May-2008
A patient dies following surgery where the left rather than the right kidney was removed. Could the NHS trust face prosecution for corporate manslaughter? -
Career crossroads
12-May-2008
I am about to qualify as a nurse and am not sure what sort of job to go for. I really want to be a specialist nurse and have also considered nurse teaching as a career. What would you advise?
