A temporary nurse is asked to refer a client for abortion in a physician's office; what is the best action?

A temporary nurse is asked to refer a client for abortion in a physician's office; what is the best action?

• A. Leave a note for the physician indicating that she refuses to make the referral for an abortion.
• B. Complete the referral to the gynecologist as part of her obligation to provide care for the client in the absence of the regular office practical nurse.
• C. Notify the physician that she will not be working in the office after today's shift.
• D. Tell the client that the usual practical nurse will make the referral when she returns.

Answer: (B)

Providing continuous, person-centered care means taking timely steps to connect a client with the needed service, even when you’re a temporary staff member. In this scenario, the client has requested a referral for abortion in the physician’s office, and the temporary nurse is covering in the absence of the regular office PN. Completing the referral to the gynecologist ensures the client can access the required service without unnecessary delay and reflects professional responsibility to coordinate care and advocate for the patient’s health needs. Choosing to refuse the referral or delay it would disrupt care and undermine patient access to services. Similarly, indicating the nurse will not be working after today or telling the client that the usual PN will handle it later would leave the client without timely support. If personal beliefs could create a barrier, the appropriate course is to follow workplace policy and seek guidance about alternatives, but the immediate duty is to facilitate the referral so the client’s needs are met promptly.

Providing continuous, person-centered care means taking timely steps to connect a client with the needed service, even when you’re a temporary staff member. In this scenario, the client has requested a referral for abortion in the physician’s office, and the temporary nurse is covering in the absence of the regular office PN. Completing the referral to the gynecologist ensures the client can access the required service without unnecessary delay and reflects professional responsibility to coordinate care and advocate for the patient’s health needs.

Choosing to refuse the referral or delay it would disrupt care and undermine patient access to services. Similarly, indicating the nurse will not be working after today or telling the client that the usual PN will handle it later would leave the client without timely support. If personal beliefs could create a barrier, the appropriate course is to follow workplace policy and seek guidance about alternatives, but the immediate duty is to facilitate the referral so the client’s needs are met promptly.