When the unexpected happens.

Area of Science:

• Nursing Practice
• Patient-Family Communication
• Healthcare Ethics

Background:

• Healthcare professionals may encounter challenging situations involving patient families during critical incidents.
• Uncertainty regarding information disclosure and empathetic communication can arise.
• Existing hospital policies and professional guidance are crucial for navigating these scenarios.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the experiences of a nurse managing a critical incident with a client's family present.
• To identify the challenges faced in communicating with distressed families.
• To determine the appropriate course of action for providing information and support.

Main Methods:

• A reflective case study approach was employed.
• The nurse sought consultation with a Registered Nurse Association of British Columbia (RNABC) nursing practice consultant.
• Relevant hospital policies and procedures were reviewed.

Main Results:

• The nurse experienced feelings of being watched and judged by the family.
• Initial uncertainty existed regarding the extent of information to be shared.
• Consultation confirmed the importance of keeping the family informed and offering care.

Conclusions:

• Proactive engagement with hospital policies and professional consultation is vital for nurses.
• Balancing information disclosure with empathy is key in critical care situations.
• Informing families during critical incidents is a crucial aspect of patient-centered care.