The Battle of Beliefs
What is science-based, empirical knowledge to a nurse might be completely subjective to
a patient with a set of religious or personal beliefs. Certain religions forbid medical
procedures which can mean the difference between life and death. For example, in some
cultures and religions, blood transfusions – even lifesaving ones – are unacceptable. A
nurse’s attempts to explain the benefits of the procedure weighed against the risks of
opting out can overstep the line. Is it the nurse’s job to support the patient’s right to the
decision, or is it their responsibility to do everything in their power to urge them toward a
preventable action? As science continues its onward march, questions related to ethics
and human rights are only expected to grow, pertaining to everything from stem cell
research to genetic testing.
