Skip to main content

Don’t Blame Yourself if a Parent Refuses Treatment for their Child



When a parent refuses treatment for their child, it can be frustrating and hard to accept. As someone who takes care of people for a living, it goes against everything that you stand for to not treat someone in need, especially a vulnerable child. However, blaming yourself is the last thing that you should do.

Not only does the blame lie with the parents, but you have also done the best that you can to take care of your patient. It is not your fault that the parents are willing to stand by and watch their child suffer. In many other countries, they would be going to jail.

Unfortunately, in the United States, religious freedom is more important than a lot of things. Even if there is sensible evidence and substantial proof, anything can heppen. Even if there may be good intentions behind the refusal for treatment, there is no good reason to let a child die. 


How is it freedom if a child is unable to decide for themselves to be treated or die a slow, painful, death – praying that it will go away whether it is what they want to or not? A fundamental problem here is the belief that children do not have any authority over anything, not even their own bodies. Freedom should come in all forms, and should not be limited to adults and those who are seen to 'know better.' 

Obviously this does not mean that children should be allowed to do whatever they like. It merely suggests that their health and well-being should not be put in danger because of the beliefs of their parents. Children should be able to have their own beliefs and the fundamental right to be involved in their own health and care.

When it comes to parenting, no one likes to be told how to raise their child. The protective nature of a parent can be interlaced with the belief that medicines, even vaccinations, are bad. When this happens, a very serious lack of healthcare develops, and the child becomes vulnerable.

Related: Benefits to BSN

You are not responsible for how parents raise and treat their children. All that you can do is spread awareness and let the parents know everything about what is going on with their child. Convincing them will not likely be possible. 

After all, it is not right to try to change someone's beliefs, especially since it is seen as unprofessional in this kind of setting. If you feel compelled to rant about it, talk to someone. A fellow nurse or medical professional will likely empathize with you on a personal level since, unfortunately, this happens somewhat commonly. 

The nature of this is all very sensitive and complicated. The last thing you want to do is insult someone, but being firm about suggested treatment is all that you can really do. It is hard, and will break your heart as time passes by, but keep in mind that it is not your fault, and that blaming yourself will get you nowhere. 

Respect the parent's wishes, even if you disagree with them. It is their legal right to decide how to take care of their child. Since you have no legal bounds to do anything, it is best to let it be and blame the system if you have to.


Please follow us on Facebook, Linkedin, Pinterest  and Twitter

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

As a Nursing Student, what Extracurricular Activities are Beneficial?

We already had our time to treat the immense demanding curricula a nursing school provides. Nursing students are often familiarized with it at the very beginning of their journey. Information usually being provided is strictly covering what the school curricula involve. It does not provide hints on possible courses or extracurricular activities a nurse-to-be has to follow in order to get the most of his/her studying years. A nursing student might consider going for a nurse related extracurricular activity that will be efficient in terms of time management. What might count as a productive extracurricular activity for a nursing student? o      Initiating one or more community service projects o      Job shadowing o      Volunteer   Why should one consider these extracurricular activities once he or she is studying to become a nurse? Well, first of all, nursing requires a lot of good will and dedication. It is that kind of profession you need to put all your physic

Where do Registered Nurses Work?

Registered nurses are needed far and wide, and there dispersal amongst various facilities is illuminating.   Commonly, you associate nurses with hospitals, but their expertise is needed in a plethora of environments.   An overwhelming amount of nurses, (60% to be exact) operate in hospitals.   Comparing this percentage to the mere 5% working in nursing homes, RN’s have disseminated into non-governmental and EDU positions, as well as employment facilities and doctor’s offices.    Related : 2016 INTERNATIONAL NURSES ASSOCIATION (INA) SCHOLARSHIP AWARD Visit www.nurseadvisormagazine.com for more information on nursing. R elated : Top Nurse with the International Nurses Association, Steven Eric Southerland, RN, BSN, AAS, EMT-P to Publish in the Worldwide Leaders in Healthcare Please follow us on Facebook , Linkedin , Pinterest , Twitter

Insomnia in Nurses

The nursing profession has more workers suffering from insomnia than any profession overall.   It's really not surprising: rotating shifts, long hours, emotionally draining days or nights, and of course the pressure of not making a mistake. It all can take its toll, and that toll may be in the form of insomnia.   Insomnia Facts Do you ever look at s sleeping baby, and think about how you wish you could sleep like that?   Babies have no daily worries. Someone always cares for their needs, so their minds are not preoccupied with “what ifs”, or consumed with thoughts of everything that must be accomplished the following day.   No wonder we can't sleep!   One of the main reasons so many nurses suffer from insomnia is that it's difficult to essentially shut the mind down.   You can physically put your body to bed, however you cannot reach in the brain, flip a switch, and turn of the mind.   Think of it like this; you get a comfortable blanket and pillow however ins