Latest update April 19th, 2024 12:59 AM
Jan 19, 2015 Letters
Dear Editor,
Sleeping while on duty is such an important issue that it is addressed in the employee handbook in some workplaces. Concerns that employers have may include the lack of productivity, the unprofessional appearance, and danger that may occur when the employee’s duties involve watching to prevent a hazardous situation. In some occupations, such as pilots, truck and bus drivers, or those operating heavy machinery, falling asleep while on duty could put lives in danger.
Notice that I omitted nurses from the list, especially Obstetrical Nurses as the notion of falling asleep, while on duty instantly jeopardizes the lives of both mother and baby.
So sleeping on duty should not form part of their activity while on duty. It is apparent that not only did the authorities fail to notify the employees of the consequences of sleeping on duty, but the perpetrators who deign to call themselves representatives of the Florence Nightingalean genre, were totally unprofessional and disrespectful to the family, in making up their beds in full view of the relatives.
There is so much wrong in this tragic scenario that it beggars description. Dare I ask where did these nurses complete their obstetrical training? In the wilds or were they destined to be veterinarians and eventually crossed over into dealing with humans?
Again I must repeat (and at the risk of sounding trite) as a fully trained midwife, even the novice obstetric student knows the management plan that follows rupture of membranes (breaking of waters).
When the amniotic sac ruptures, production of prostaglandins increases and the cushioning between the fetus and uterus is decreased, both of which processes increase the frequency and intensity of contractions.On occasion, with the rupture of membranes, particularly if the head is not engaged, the umbilical cord may prolapse.
A cord prolapse is an obstetrical emergency, as the descending head may block fetal-placental circulation. In addition, once the membranes are ruptured, bacteria may ascend and could lead to amnionitis and fetal infection.
Another question that springs to mind, centers on whom was in charge of the Unit on that fateful night? Was everyone on duty a boss, left to her own whims and caprices? or is Guyana still practicing Third World Obstetrics where women in the Third World present a different prevalence of specific pathologies, give less attention to symptoms and to preventive measures, and the health system is usually not well adapted to respond to these characteristics.
One of the main causes of Third World cause of death is lack of access to someone with knowledge and equipment for advanced resuscitation. This was not the case here.By golly! Have we not made any progress? Why not! Oh why not!
Why the visitor was allowed to enter the delivery area especially since the mother was in established labour, and to further compound the insult, even became saddled with the task of completing the third stage of labour — delivery of the placenta. Needless to say, for the lesser informed and non-obstetrically minded, this aspect of the delivery also has its consequences if mishandled.As one respected author stated: “This indeed is the unforgiving stage of labour, and in it, there lurks more unheralded treachery than in both the other stages combined.
The normal case can, within a minute, become abnormal and successful delivery can turn swiftly to disaster. It is an important stage physiologically. Incidentally, did the Unit/hospital have a supervisor on duty that night and other nights?
If not, how is supervision conducted, especially to pregnant women who are responsible not only for their own life but that of their yet unborn child?
This epidemic of maternal, fetal and neonatal mortality must be halted forthwith. An immediate investigation both internal and external should be conducted by the General Nursing Council and all guilty parties should be relieved of their positions.
The nurses in question, guilty of gross professional misconduct, should also have the matter passed over to their licencing bodies for disciplinary hearings.Acts that constitute a breach or abuse of the nurse/client relationship are considered professional misconduct, as is conduct that demonstrates a lack of integrity.
In other words, a nurse’s conduct that is harmful in any way, or that undermines or detracts from the professional caring relationship with and for the client, is not consistent with expected professional standards.
I strongly recommend that they be stripped of their licence as their displayed behaviours have made them totally unworthy of the nomenclature nurse. The public, especially mothers-to-be must be protected from professional killers masquerading as nurses.
On a conclusive note, perhaps it is time to review and/or revise the Nurses Code of Ethics, re-evaluate nursing standards and performance, provide a guide to the knowledge, skills, judgment and attitudes that are needed to practice safely; and above all, incorporate mandatory refresher courses for nurses especially those in Obstetrics.
The manner in which this case is ultimately dealt with should send a strong message not only to mothers-to-be but also to nurses.
The struggle continues.
Yvonne Sam
Where is the BETTER MANAGEMENT/RENEGOTIATION OF THE OIL CONTRACTS you promised Jagdeo?
Apr 19, 2024
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