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.

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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.

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