In: Nursing
An African American young adult is admitted to the emergency department in sickle cell crisis with a report of 10/10 pain. The patient is known to several of the nurses and physicians in the department who have labeled the patient as a “drug seeker”.
Initial Discussion Post:
The RN will have to raise awareness and sensitivity through case presentations or role plays in her ward to understand and empathize with the person with sickle cell disease. She will have to sensitize them about the intensity of pain the young adult is going through, to be observant to any complications and to treat the adult as a person needing our help and support rather than giving a label of a drug seeker. She will have to focus on improving the communication of the healthcare personnel with the patients.
This applies to the patient and the entire healthcare team who comes across patients needing our care and support. A well-educated nurse will set goals and outcomes and ensures the potential for reducing health-related stigmatization and improving the pain management experience for the patients. They will help them not only improve their self-esteem but also help them in building a coping mechanism.