The conflict between the values of a nurse’s health promotion and a client is a widespread phenomenon in health care. The most prominent example of such conflict is when adults refuse blood transfusions because of their religious beliefs. According to Edelman, Mandle, and Kudzma (2014), nurses should be aware of how cultural differences could affect attitudes towards health care and treatment methods. From this, it could be inferred that a nurse should be far-sighted and should be able to predict how this or that patient will react to the medical intervention proposed by a nurse. As Edelman et al. (2014) put it, a nurse should be culturally competent to predict the possible disparities and eliminate them.
Still, when a conflict between the values of a nurse and a client occurs, it is necessary to undertake certain septs to mitigate it. The most proper way to tackle it is to accept it and follow the will of a patient. It is obligatory to respect the worldview and opinion of a patient. Nonetheless, before accepting a patient’s decision, a nurse must inform him or her of the negative and positive consequences of a patient’s choice. This step is of vital significance because it ensures that a patient is fully informed, understands what he does, and is ready for the side effects of the decision taken.
To conclude, apart from being respectful and tolerant, nurses should be good communicators and listeners. In case of a conflict of values, they should not apply moral pressure to a patient. Instead, nurses are expected to explain their rationalities and be ready to listen to the arguments of a patient. Nevertheless, if a patient refuses the treatment or asks to change it, he should be informed of the consequences and be responsible for the decision.
Reference
Edelman, C. L., Mandle, C. L., & Kudzma, E. C. (2014). Health promotion throughout the life span (8th ed.). Elsevier Mosby.