Erica,

As a nursing student and as you enter your career, you will find that there are many ethical and moral dilemma's that you will face. Certainly as a Witness, you will have to come to terms with your own conscience in regard to blood/blood product administration. Todd has given very good advice and shared how he handled his conscience with his colleagues. I can share with you that I have administered blood/blood products taking into consideration that this is the patients decision and it is ordered by a physician and not by me. If able, I would confirm with the patient prior to administration that the treatment was acceptable to them. As a Christian there are many behaviors I choose not to engage in however it doesn't mean I can stop others from making their own choice. Utimately you have to decide how you feel about this and you will have a choice of where you practice as a nurse. There are many opportunities available to be in a setting where blood transfusion is not an issue.