The story of Gita Proudman, a nurse who was wrongfully charged with second-degree murder of an infant, is a terrifying example of the unfair treatment nurses often get in the workplace and otherwise. A dedicated nursing professional, Proudman faced a difficult situation with an ill and deformed infant on a “do not resuscitate” order (Ontario Nurses’ Association, 2014). Since the infant’s mother had already said her goodbyes, and the nursery was busy with the other patients, Proudman thought it ethically correct to spend time with it, allowing for a dignified end.
Listening to Proudman’s honest testimony on the subject is heartbreaking, as the breakage of her naivety is obvious, when she realizes that the fact she did nothing wrong does not mean she won’t get charged. The failure of the legal system to protect her, as well as the fact that the investigation was motivated by the desire to convict Proudman rather than find the truth, is highly unethical. It is difficult to tell whether if instead of a nurse, Proudman was a doctor, she would have been treated differently – however, it would not be that surprising if she did. Although the fact that Proudman took the baby to a separate room, no matter her intentions, brought her into the gray ethical zone, I personally agree with her actions. A human being deserves dignity, no matter how short his or her life.
References
Ontario Nurses’ Association. (2014). ONA: The Gita Proudman Story – Full Version [Video file]. Web.