Bayliss CPR Case Analysis

 

 

 

 

Bayliss CPR Case Analysis

 

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By not performing CPR on Ms. Bayliss, the nurse violated professional ethics. An illegal act is one that is contrary to the laid down laws. Therefore, the nurse did not act illegally since a policy did not allow rendering nursing care to patients who are not in a nursing home. She did not violate any law by not carrying out the CPR but instead acted unethically. As a nurse, she has undergone training on what to do in emergencies such as Ms. Bayliss’s case.

Her first step should not be calling 911 and receiving CPR instructions as she is already trained but should have performed the procedure. The only exception is where there is a Do Not Resuscitate order from the patient or the family. If news reports are anything to go by, then there was no such order in this case. She worsens the situation when she refuses to give the phone to a passer-by who would receive the instructions and perform the procedure on the dying patient. Her inaction is immoral, and she violates her ethics and what she pledged to do under oath.

The difference between unethical behavior and criminal behavior is the law. Whereas a criminal action is one that violates the law, unethical behavior is in violation of morality. Thus, unethical behavior may be immoral but not against the law, as in this case. There was no violation of any laws by not performing CPR, but the inaction was unethical. Hence, an arrest is not the appropriate step to undertake. As the responding officer, I would gather any vital information and hand over the issue to the nursing board, which is the relevant authority to deal with the matter.