Case Reflection: DNR Information and Nursing Practice Standards

This is a reflective journal entry of a newly graduated nurse working in a palliative care ward, detailing her experience with a 35-year-old patient with end-stage brain cancer who wished to explore “do not resuscitate” (DNR) directives. The nurse reflects on her initial inability to provide sufficient information due to a lack of knowledge, her feelings of shame, and her subsequent realization that it was better to admit her limitations than to provide incorrect information. The experience highlighted the importance of maintaining competence in practice, adhering to nursing standards, and providing accurate health information to patients. The nurse concludes that the experience was a valuable learning opportunity and outlines an action plan for future preparedness, including seeking advice from senior colleagues when necessary. The reflection references the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia's professional standards.

Self reflection on a case scenario situation
Introduction
Being a nurse I face many difficult situations in my working practice. Here, I am
going to reflect such an experience using Gibb’s reflective cycle.
Description
I was working in a palliative care ward as a newly graduated nurse and a 35 year old
patient, Nina was admitted with final stage brain cancer. After an open discussion, the patient
expressed her wish to explore the “do not resuscitate” (DNR) directives. However, I was
unable to provide her proper information regarding this.
Feeling
I really felt that my knowledge was not sufficient to share information with the patient
regarding DNR. Initially, I felt ashamed of not providing information due to my lack of
knowledge but later on, I realized that being a newly graduated nurse I may not know every
rules and regulations about DNR and it is better to confess the truth in place of sharing wrong
information.
Evaluation
This experience inspired me to learn new aspects of nursing and provided opportunity
to enrich my knowledge about DNR. However, I realized that dealing with such situations is
quite challenging.
Analysis
According to the standard 3 of registered nurse standard practice, it is important to
maintain the capability of practice and also, nurses are meant to provide health information

and education to the patients (Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia 2016). I realized, I
should document her queries and show her doctor to seek assistance before sharing any
information.
Conclusion
Finally, I can conclude that the experience was helpful as it opened up opportunities
for further learning.
Action plan
In future, I will be more prepared about all the rules and regulations of care while
handing patients. In case of any issues, I will also seek advice from seniors.

Reference
Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (2016) Professional standards [online]. Available
from: https://www.nursingmidwiferyboard.gov.au/codes-guidelines-statements/professional-
standards.aspx [Accessed 31 May 2019].