Tell me about a time when you encountered a legal or ethical issue in geriatric nursing and what actions you took.

I once encountered a legal and ethical issue in geriatric nursing when I discovered that a fellow nurse was administering medication without proper documentation. I immediately brought this concern to the attention of our supervisor and provided them with all the necessary information. As a result, an investigation was conducted and appropriate action was taken to address the issue. This experience taught me the importance of upholding legal and ethical standards in nursing and the need to advocate for patient safety and well-being.

In my role as a geriatric nurse, I encountered a legal and ethical issue when I discovered that a fellow nurse was administering medication without proper documentation. Recognizing the potential harm this could cause to patients, I immediately approached the nurse to discuss the issue privately. I emphasized the importance of following legal and ethical guidelines in medication administration and offered my assistance in ensuring proper documentation moving forward. However, the nurse was defensive and refused to acknowledge their mistake. Realizing the gravity of the situation, I promptly reported the incident to our supervisor, providing detailed evidence to support my concerns. As a result, an investigation was launched, and disciplinary action was taken. Throughout the process, I maintained open and transparent communication with the supervisor and provided additional information whenever necessary. This experience highlighted the importance of advocating for patient safety and the need to address legal and ethical issues promptly and appropriately.

The solid answer provides a more detailed account of the legal and ethical issue encountered in geriatric nursing. It includes specific actions taken by the candidate to resolve the issue, such as approaching the nurse privately and reporting the incident to the supervisor. The candidate also demonstrates their communication and interpersonal skills by maintaining open and transparent communication throughout the process. However, the answer could further improve by discussing how the candidate utilized their problem-solving skills and knowledge of legal and ethical considerations in geriatric nursing to address the issue more effectively.

During my time as a geriatric nurse, I encountered a complex legal and ethical issue involving the use of physical restraints on elderly patients. One particular case involved a patient with dementia who exhibited aggressive behavior. The facility's policy stated that physical restraints should only be used as a last resort and with proper documentation. After a thorough assessment of the patient's condition and behaviors, I determined that alternative interventions, such as sensory stimulation and redirection, could effectively manage the aggressive behavior without resorting to restraints. I assembled a multidisciplinary team, including the patient's family, the facility's ethics committee, and the attending physician, to discuss the situation and explore alternative strategies. Through detailed presentations and evidence-based research, I advocated for the implementation of a comprehensive care plan that focused on non-pharmacological interventions. This not only addressed the legal and ethical implications but also prioritized the patient's well-being and autonomy. As a result, the patient's aggressive behavior significantly decreased, and the use of physical restraints was avoided altogether. This experience reinforced the importance of critical thinking, collaboration, and upholding legal and ethical standards in geriatric nursing.

The exceptional answer provides a comprehensive and detailed account of a complex legal and ethical issue encountered in geriatric nursing. It showcases the candidate's ability to utilize problem-solving skills, critical thinking, and knowledge of legal and ethical considerations in geriatric nursing to address the issue effectively. The candidate demonstrates exceptional communication and interpersonal skills by assembling a multidisciplinary team and advocating for alternative interventions. The answer also highlights the candidate's commitment to patient well-being and autonomy. Overall, the exceptional answer effectively addresses all the evaluation areas and aligns with the job description by emphasizing the importance of upholding legal and ethical standards in geriatric nursing.