Tuesday, February 9, 2010

A Matter of Ethics

The word ethics is derived from the greek, ethos, which means customs, conduct, habitual use and character.
It involves the use of Beneficence: Doing the greatest good for the largest number of people.
And Non Maleficence: Above all , doing no harm.

An example of this may be the difference between a patient  going fearfully or not, to surgery.
In one instance the nurse may be offhanded and say, "There's nothing to worry about, settle down." While the other nurse,sits at eye level with the patient and says. "There is a wonderful team waiting to take care of you in there. And one person, the Anaesthetist, who watches your heart rate, bloodpressure, respirations and the oxygen in your blood supply at all times. He is ready to act quickly, very quickly,  should there be any deviations.
Can you see in your mind.... the wonderful help you are going have? and,  I'll be here waiting to look after you when you get back" 

Anxiety can be more of a problem than the actual physical compaint. With anxiety further complications may occur. So its best to aleviate the symptoms and calm the patient.  
This is assurance. Given in the act of kind words acting as a healing balm to sooth the soul.
"As for you, Brothers (NURSES), do not grow weary in doing good."
2 Thessalonians 3:13
Love is patient, Love is kind.
 

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