The Role of Nurses in Witnessing Living Will Signatures
The Nurse's Role in Witnessing Living Will Signatures
When a nurse enters a client's room and observes that the client's lawyer is present and they are preparing a living will, a situation may arise where the client asks the nurse to witness their signature. In such cases, it is essential for the nurse to understand the appropriate nursing action to take in such circumstances.
What is the appropriate nursing action in this situation?
The appropriate nursing action in this scenario is for the nurse to generally comply with the client's request to witness the signing of the living will. This is to ensure that the client's wishes are respected and documented properly.
Understanding the Role of the Nurse
As a witness to the client's signature, the nurse is not providing healthcare or legal advice but is merely verifying the client's identity and the authenticity of the signature. It is crucial for the nurse to be aware of any legal implications related to witnessing the signing of a legal document.
What should the nurse do before agreeing to witness the signature?
Before agreeing to witness the client's signature on the living will, the nurse should make sure they understand any legal implications associated with their role. This includes being aware of the specific job title they hold and any potential medical or legal complications that may arise from the content of the will.
Promoting Discussion Among the Care Team
One of the key responsibilities of the nurse in this situation is to promote discussion among the care team about the client's wishes. This can help ensure that all team members are aware of and prepared to respect the client's decisions.
How can the nurse promote discussion among the care team?
The nurse can promote discussion among the care team by openly reviewing the procedure, particularly regarding specific aspects of the client's care. If there are any concerns or questions about the content of the living will, the nurse should facilitate communication among team members to clarify and address any potential issues.
The nurse enters a client's room and notes that the client's lawyer is present and that the client is preparing a living will. The living will requires that the client's signature be witnessed, and the client asks the nurse to witness the signature. Which is the appropriate nursing action? A nurse asked to witness the signing of a living will should generally comply, understanding any legal implications, and promote discussion among the care team about the client's wishes.