The Editor, Sir:

It is with great disgust and bewilderment that I read the article in The Saturday Gleaner of November 28 titled 'Hero nurse suspended'. According to the article, Rackell Wilson has, among other things, had her enrolled assistant nursing licence suspended by the Nursing Council of Jamaica (NCJ) for six months.

This was because she administered, "without permission", a Voltaren injection to one of the crash victims of a major traffic accident in Portland in December, 2008. Yet, Ms Wilson is quoted as saying she was in "continuous dialogue with the staff in the Accident and Emergency Department of the Port Antonio Hospital", and that she got permission to administer the medication, since it was necessary to ease the pain the victim was experiencing in his leg, and possibly save his life.

'Do what you can'

I would think that nurses, like other health-care professionals, are charged with doing what they can, with whatever resources they have, to assist in the development of healthy individuals both at work and also off the clock, if the condition arises.

Ms Wilson, as a member of the public, and having working knowledge of managing particular aspects of the human anatomy, felt that day that she had a right to lend her assistance to the victims of that horrible accident. She extended herself by using medication that was prescribed for herself to help ease the pain of a man who was suffering more than she was. She reportedly consulted the necessary authorities and delivered the drug, and is now being penalised. Is the NCJ trying to say that nurses should not use their knowledge and skills outside of the hospital and clinic? Are they trying to send a message to all the other Rackells out there that it's best to keep your head straight and ignore the cry of a fellow citizen?

Practise under supervision

Chances are, if she did nothing and it came to light that she had such medication on her person, then the public would ask why didn't she administer the drug? The article refers to a clause that says she should "practise under the supervision of a registered nurse or a registered medical practitioner." Are we to believe then, that this man with his leg pinned under a vehicle, should wait until a doctor arrives, even though this woman beside him has medication to assist him?

I am very hurt to see the reaction by the NCJ in this issue. At a time when certain organisations are trying to promote unity and looking out for each other, it is apparent that care, compassion, love and service above self are nothing but words to the NCJ.

I hope that the government minister will follow up on his statement and assist Ms Wilson in appealing this decision, and avoid having her record tarnished for doing good.

I am, etc.,

BEWILDERED

phantokaw@hotmail.com