To clarify this, while JWs don't accept the four primary blood components in their original state and in quantity, on an individual conscience basis they may accept products containing small quantities of those components or products directly derived from them.

Examples include platelet gel (also called platelet rich plasma), epidural blood patch, blood tagging, etc. For details see km 11/06.

Thank you, joema for adding some clarification. I am still researching these types of medical procedures to make my final decision on fractions etc. Things used to be alot simpler years ago, when blood was blood and declined entirely.

This site has been a wealth of valuable information detailing these procedures. I have discovered that an epidural blood patch is done in such a way (pending any further insight based upon my question in the forum) that could be viewed as an extension of the circulatory system, much in the same manner as a heart-lung machine, and therefore acceptable to those Witnesses whose conscience would allow such a thing.

As I sort this all out and try to make sense of a complex issue it seems that if the blood patch was done with blood taken from another person that would be unacceptable, or if it was totally removed from the patient it would seem that would be unacceptable as well, something mirroring the idea of autologous blood transfusions etc. I must admit that I am having difficulty with autologous platelet cell and blood tagging as well as hemodilution because I do not fully understand these medical procedures, so I'll remain silent on those procedures. (What a relief, eh? )

That is my take so far, I know it needs tweaking to come to a full understanding of things and I'm trying to get there. My intent is not to try and influence others into accepting my personal stance, but only to help clarify things for myself using information on this website as well as input from others. Please bear with me as I stumble along and I do appreciate any corrections and further information.

My best to you,
Lynda

Lynda, there was more discussion on the points you mention in this thread:

Question re: Hemodilution

Thank you! This information is just what I have been looking for. I'm still learning how to navigate online forums and have found that I've missed a good deal of discussion on some topics.

Unfortunately I have the annoying habit of jumping into something I feel strongly about with rather opinionated statements. I do intend working on taming this, my apologies and again my thanks for the clarification.

I was a new nurse working my first job in the Cardiac Step-Down Unit when I had to come to terms with this issue. In general many cardiac physicians try not to give blood; however I found it to be an issue more often than I thought it would. I also was told that you always need two nurses to hang the blood and I told myself that "I could do the documentation and let the other nurse handle the actual transfusion." If it is your patient, even if someone else initiates the transfusion, you must monitor and adjust the blood flow. Don't go into a job thinking taking a chance that there will always be someone there to bail you out. I also carefully considered the Wt article on conscience so I know that this is a very personal decision. What I did not realize is the impact this would have on my co-workers or my own conscience. If you have any doubts at all, be sure to accept only jobs that do not involve BT or let the Department Manager know upfront how you feel (and are willing to swap responsibilities with other nurses, should it be an issue) because many facilities are now accommodating the caregiver’s ethical, cultural beliefs. Betty

hey erica,
Im a nursing student in N.Ireland , and I was just wondering if you encountered any problems regarding administering blood in your course?
Thanks
Shauna

DO A SEARCH ON POLYHEME AS WELL

Erica,
Everyone has provided good insight and direction in dealing with this issue.
You will have to have to decide what your conscience will allow you to do.
When I was in bedside nursing I to had to decide at what point in the transfusion process my conscience would allow me to participate. Once that was decided I discussed the matter up front with my supervisors and co-workers. Once they understood my position and the reasons behind it we had a good working relationship. As others had commented I traded work with the other nurses who hung the transfusion for me. I assurred everyone I was not going to compromise patient care and things worked out well. Now is the time to decide before you are faced with a transfusion situation

Richard

Hi,
When I was in the Baylor Hospital for an month because I had ITP.The doctor that works under my favorite doctor and the one the guys that helps run the Baylor Hospital forse me to have the Blood Transfusion.And gave it to me with out me knowing it middle of the night when I was in the ICU room.Even though I am one of Jehovah's Witnesses.But next day dad and my mom and one my elders that goes to my Kingdom Hall told me what happen.And I got pretty mad at those two big jerks,But I stayed relax though.The rest of the nurses and doctors was favorites because they stayed 100% behide me all the way.
When I was in the raglur hospital room I had really good nurses and one of them took up for me another words she put her job online for me.She said to one the doctors "I will not give her any blood transfusion at all because it is wrong" and she is not one of Jehovah's Witnessess at all.The team of the doctor that took my spleen out because of my ITP did not gave me any blood transfusions at all. Melissa Loyd

i have just found this site and forum and like you i have just started my nursing studies in scotland. i have worked as an healthcare assistant for many years and my qualified nursing colleagues have assured me that should i or any witness nurse ask them to administer the blood transfusion, they would do so, even though they did not agree(although some felt that transfusions are given un-necessarily)with our reasons.
my belief is that all blood transfusions are checked and administered by 2 nurses so it would be a simple matter of the other nurse actually attaching the unit to the patient. if all you do then is ensure that you carry out all other nursing care for the patient in line with current guidelines regarding transfusions, then hopefully your conscience will not be compromised.
by the way my name is also erica
all the best in your studies and i hope that there is no obstacle to you qualifying
erica