Have you ever faced ethical dilemmas in your role as a rehabilitation nurse? If so, how did you handle them?

Yes, I have faced ethical dilemmas as a rehabilitation nurse. One particular situation I encountered was when a patient expressed a desire to stop their rehabilitation treatment due to the slow progress they were making. They were feeling frustrated and wanted to give up. However, I knew that continuing the treatment was essential for their long-term recovery. I had to balance the patient's autonomy and their right to make decisions about their own care with my duty to advocate for what I believed was in their best interest. To handle this dilemma, I engaged in open and honest communication with the patient, discussing their concerns and fears. I also involved their family and the multidisciplinary team in the conversation. Together, we explored alternative approaches to motivate the patient and address their frustrations. Ultimately, we were able to find a compromise that allowed the patient to regain their motivation and continue the rehabilitation process.

Yes, as a rehabilitation nurse, I have encountered several ethical dilemmas in my role. One example was when I had to make a decision regarding the use of physical restraints on a patient who was agitated and exhibited aggressive behavior towards themselves and others. While physical restraints are sometimes necessary for patient safety, they can also infringe upon the patient's autonomy and dignity. To address this dilemma, I took a comprehensive approach. First, I assessed the patient's condition and consulted with the interdisciplinary team to explore alternative interventions to manage the patient's aggression. We implemented a personalized care plan that included therapeutic communication techniques, diversionary activities, and close monitoring. By using a patient-centered approach and focusing on non-restrictive methods, we were able to successfully manage the patient's behavior without resorting to physical restraints.

The solid answer provides a more detailed explanation of the candidate's encounter with an ethical dilemma and demonstrates their comprehensive knowledge of rehabilitation practices by discussing the use of physical restraints. It also highlights their critical thinking abilities, leadership skills, and compassion in considering alternative interventions to avoid physical restraints.

In my role as a rehabilitation nurse, I have encountered various ethical dilemmas that required careful consideration and decision-making. One notable instance was when I had to address the conflict of interest between a patient's desire for early discharge and their actual readiness for independent living. The patient, who had made progress in their rehabilitation, insisted on leaving the facility early to be with their family. However, during my assessment, I observed that the patient still had functional limitations that could affect their safety and well-being at home. To handle this dilemma, I engaged in in-depth discussions with the patient and their family, highlighting the importance of ensuring a smooth transition back into the community and the potential risks associated with premature discharge. I also collaborated closely with the therapy team to develop an enhanced rehabilitation plan focused on addressing the specific limitations identified. By providing detailed explanations, personalized education, and involving the patient and their family in goal-setting, we were able to mitigate the conflict, and the patient agreed to stay until they were truly ready for a successful transition.

The exceptional answer goes beyond the solid answer by introducing a different ethical dilemma the candidate faced in their role as a rehabilitation nurse. It demonstrates the candidate's comprehensive knowledge of rehabilitation practices by discussing the patient's readiness for independent living. The answer also showcases their strong communication and leadership skills, as well as their ability to collaborate with the therapy team and involve the patient and their family in the decision-making process.