Erica,

I've been asked this question a number of times. At my hospital it is acceptable for staff to indicate if there is a procedure that they object to because of ethical, moral or religious concerns. In such cases the employee must inform their supervisor in advance. There is a possibility that the supervisor has no alternatives and the employee may have to transfer to a department were the request can be honored. It is important than to make sure you are working in an area with other nurses who can take on this responsibility. When I was in bedside nursing, I also made it a point to speak with the other nurses in the department so they were aware of my religious objections to being involved in starting a transfusion. I told them that I would be happy to do something for them if they would take care of starting the transfusion. You will have your best success if you are up front and you discuss it before a situation arises. Make sure they understand that you will in no way interfere with the transfusion. (I did have one nurse get very upset because she thought I would deny the patient the ordered transfusion. Once I clarified my intent she was OK.)

I wish you the best and welcome to the forum.

Todd