Reference no: EM133914053

Question

Pierre is employed as a forensic nurse in a maximum security correctional institute. Many prisoners have mental health and other persistent health problems. Pierre's responsibilities include counselling, administration of medications, and teaching about health. He is frustrated. Several patients tell Pierre that the guards use physical force to "settle things down". Pierre sees that the prisoners have unexplained bruises on their bodies. One evening Pierre sees for himself guards being rough in their treatment of inmates. He talks to a guard in the health clinic, who explains that force is needed to maintain order for prisoners and staff. Pierre disapproves of the guards' actions, yet knows that reporting the incident will be highly unpopular with his peers and management.

Pierre wants to deal with his concerns, but he feels he is in a difficult position. At staff meetings, he has heard homophobic and racist comments. During his employment Pierre has protected his private life and has not told his colleagues that he is gay and that his partner is First Nations. He loves forensic nursing, but he finds the work environment unethical. He is uncertain how to respond to the situation, but he knows he must advocate for change.