Blood transfusions??? just say no...

I would like to become a nurse, but I don't believe in blood transfusions, getting them or giving them. That said I would never tell anyone not to get one, or say anything against the doctors order, I believe it is a personnal choice but I don't want to have to give them. I'm in nursing school now. Do you or anyone you know have this issue and if so how do they deal with it and what areas or floors can they work on? I know oncology and ortho are poor choices. I was hoping for a job where It wouldn't come up often and if it did I could get the supervisor or another nurse to do that. while I did all other care. Last edit by Joe V on Jun 14, '11 : Reason: formatting for easier reading
may i ask why this is an issue for you? i think you may want to spend some time on a unit working with patients (observing) who are receiving blood transfusions. it may or may not make a difference in your thought process, but it can't hurt. i had a patient today who received a blood transfusion because she was losing lots of blood. she was so delightful and YOUNG. i just can't imagine why anyone would have a problem with this. that's why i ask your reasoning. maybe dealing with real PEOPLE who need blood would make a difference. what you do or don't believe in theory often changes when it becomes real.

Religious Reasons. I/we don't believe in blood or blood products. Like how many Catholics have a problem with abortion and would not take part in one. Or those that don't believe in giving out the morning after pill. I do get what getting blood can do. I have seen many patients in clinicals get it, I just don't want to give it.

Quote from macgirlReligious Reasons. I/we don't believe in blood or blood products. Llike how many catholics have a problem with abortion.

Quote from macgirl It wouldn't come up often and if it did I could get the supervisor or another nurse to do that. while I did all other care.

Quote from mn-nurse it your responsibilty to find a position that does not conflict with your religious views.

If you do not want to give blood products, my friendly suggestion is to seek employment outside of the hospital setting. You will never have to worry about administering blood products if you are working in a clinic, doctors' office, nursing home, home health agency, hospice, psychiatric facility, dialysis center, or other non-hospital workplace.

Quote from TheCommuterIf you do not want to give blood products, my friendly suggestion is to seek employment outside of the hospital setting. You will never have to worry about administering blood products if you are working in a clinic, doctors' office, nursing home, home health agency, hospice, psychiatric facility, dialysis center, or other non-hospital workplace.

Quote from macgirli believe i was asking about that. also, it takes 2 nurse to verify the blood would it be really so hard for another nurse to start the blood? after all they would just need to spike the bag and get it going. i could do something for them instead like wound care if it was a time issue.

i believe i was asking about that. also, it takes 2 nurse to verify the blood would it be really so hard for another nurse to start the blood? after all they would just need to spike the bag and get it going. i could do something for them instead like wound care if it was a time issue

Agree that finding a job outside the hospital would be best. Other things to consider:1. Would you be ok monitoring a pt who is getting blood.2. If a pt needed blood, could you call the provider to get the order?3. Can you order blood fromthe blood bank?Its not always possible to get someone else to hang blood for you so I think you might consider not putting yourself in that position.

Don't think you'll make it then and should consider something else. Sorry to be so blunt, but its the truth. Because not only will you be giving blood, you'll be giving blood products.In nursing, we have to look at our own beliefs and evaluate them. Understand, i DO believe in giving blood products, there is no issue with that to me. I took care of a lady during my senior synthesis who died because she refused to receive blood products. This is HER PERSONAL CHOICE!...we respected that.You need to realize that when a patient chooses to receive blood products, you need to respect that choice just like i respect the clients choices when they choose not to receive it. You have to set your own beliefs aside and provide care to the patients, they care that they want/deserve. It is not fair to your client if they want and NEED blood, you refuse to give it. So it's basically saying "Even though i can save your life, i refuse to do so because i don't believe in it." It is not fair to your patients.My suggestion? Seek employment outside of the hospital or healthcare setting. Even if you find a job outside of the hospital, you WILL be expected to give blood products in nursing school. It is a part of our health care system in America, and it's just the way it is.

What about Psych?Trust me, they aren't giving blood in Psych.