Nursing Jurisprudence and Ethics for Texas Nurses Practice Exam

What must a nurse do if they are unable to provide competent care due to personal issues?

1. Continue working until the issue resolves

2. Notify their employer and seek assistance

3. Ask a colleague to cover for them without notification

4. Ignore the situation and work through it

The correct answer is: Notify their employer and seek assistance

When a nurse is unable to provide competent care due to personal issues, it is crucial that they notify their employer and seek assistance. This action is in alignment with professional and ethical standards of nursing practice, which emphasize the importance of patient safety and quality care. By notifying their employer, the nurse takes a responsible approach to address their situation rather than risking compromise in the level of care provided to patients. Seeking assistance can involve discussing the issue with supervisors or utilizing available resources such as employee assistance programs. This ensures that the nurse can either receive help for their personal challenges or arrange for appropriate coverage, maintaining the integrity of the healthcare environment. Continuing to work without addressing personal issues can lead to impaired judgment or performance, which puts patients at risk. Similarly, asking a colleague to cover without notification can create confusion and complications in patient care and accountability. Ignoring the situation not only endangers patient safety but also can potentially lead to disciplinary actions against the nurse for failing to acknowledge and act upon their limitations.