Evaluate the following case scenario:

A hospitalized 52-year-old male has recently been diagnosed with lung cancer and is in your care for your shift at the hospital. Your best friend has recently been through treatment for lung cancer, is in remission, and has experienced a similar diagnosis. You begin to feel compassion and empathy for your patient, as you can relate to what he may be going through.

You choose to share your personal story with your patient to give the patient hope. The patient asks if you have any idea or suggestion of what he can expect from the medical condition. The patient begins to ask for medical advice that is beyond your “scope of practice”. The patient asks for your opinion about the condition and what he should do. The patient has asked for your personal cell phone number to call you for medical advice in the future. 

• Do you share your personal experience?
• How do ensure the patient has the appropriate medical support and information? What is the scope of practice for your chosen career?
• What members of the health care team can assist you with providing medical advice?

SOLUTION

In evaluating the given case scenario, it’s essential to consider professional boundaries, patient confidentiality, and ethical considerations.

1. Sharing Personal Experience: It is not appropriate to share personal experiences with patients, especially when providing medical advice or discussing their condition. While empathy and compassion are important aspects of nursing care, sharing personal stories can blur professional boundaries and may not provide the patient with accurate medical information or support. Additionally, patients may interpret such sharing as unprofessional or may feel uncomfortable discussing personal matters with a healthcare provider.
2. Ensuring Appropriate Medical Support and Information: As a nurse, it is important to provide patients with accurate and relevant medical information within the scope of nursing practice. If the patient asks for medical advice beyond the nurse’s scope of practice, it is essential to redirect them to the appropriate healthcare provider, such as a physician or specialist. The nurse should also ensure that the patient has access to resources, such as educational materials or support groups, to learn more about their condition and available treatment options.
3. Scope of Practice: The scope of practice for nursing varies depending on the nurse’s level of education, licensure, and specialty. Generally, nurses are responsible for providing direct patient care, administering medications, performing assessments, and educating patients about their health conditions and treatments. Nurses are not qualified to provide medical diagnoses or treatment recommendations beyond their scope of practice.
4. Healthcare Team Members for Medical Advice: If the patient requires additional medical advice or information beyond the nurse’s scope of practice, the nurse should collaborate with other members of the healthcare team, such as physicians, nurse practitioners, or specialists. These healthcare providers have the expertise and training to address the patient’s medical concerns and provide appropriate guidance and treatment recommendations.

In summary, while it is natural for nurses to feel empathy and compassion for patients, it is essential to maintain professional boundaries and adhere to the scope of nursing practice when providing care and medical advice. Collaborating with other healthcare team members ensures that patients receive comprehensive and appropriate support and information for their medical needs.