My Thoughts on Whistle Blowing

Being a client advocate is one of the most important roles a nurse can play. To advocate is to speak up for a client who is unable to do so themselves or upholding their wishes even when others may not agree with them. Whistle blowing is a very controversial form of advocacy that should be taken very seriously. When an individual chooses to blow the whistle he/she is taking the step to advocate for a large group of clients or even an entire community; however, doing so could come at extreme costs to the individual. Blowing the whistle is an extremely difficult decision one must make while also taking into consideration the consequence that may come.

Whistle blowing is appropriate when clients are put at risk of serious harm caused by abuse, negligence, or incompetent care, as well as other unethical or illegal practices that have not been resolved by any other means. If an individual becomes aware of an unethical or illegal act they must keep their judgment to themselves until they have collected adequate documentation of the occurrence before taking action (American Nurses Association [ANA], n.d.). Whistle blowing is not a pleasant topic in most cases and it is typically viewed in a negative way, especially by those being accused of wrongdoings. The article “I see and am silent. I see and speak out: the ethical dilemma of whistleblowing” explains many reasons why whistle blowing is negatively viewed. Whistle blowers are at risk for invasion of privacy and being harassed or retaliated against by their colleagues or employer, as well as possible loss of wages or termination of employment. Whistle blowing is something that should be taken extremely serious and only be done as a last resort. Nurses are viewed with respect and appreciation, and they should act and behave as such.