Vulnerable People

This essay will outline the case study of Miss Jaya who is a private, 74 year old Hindu lady. Miss Jaya is alone in the world and previously had an upsetting experience in hospital, and was constant in pain.   If Jaya was a real patient her name would be changed to comply with respecting patient’s right to confidentiality under the Nursing and Midwifery code of conduct (NMC, 2008). Secondly, I will discuss the concept of vulnerability and explained the reasons why Miss Jaya vulnerable. I will examine the ways in which I can demonstrate professional values with reference to the Nursing and Midwifery Council code of conduct (NMC, 2008) and consider the ways in which I can maintain Miss Jaya dignity, demonstrating respect and empower her. I will then consider how I can promote anti discriminatory practice including the definition. Finally, reflecting on what I have learnt and what I could do differently to make Jaya stay in hospital more comfortable.
On her last admission to hospital, a male nurse entered the bathroom unannounced while she was having a bath which was assisted by a female nurse this experience has made her upset and embarrassed. She is also worried that the prescribed medication not relieving the pain she is experiencing.
Vulnerability is defined as “susceptibility to physical or emotional injury, susceptibility to attack open to censure or criticism, assailable, liable, to succumb, as to persuasion or temptation” (American Heritage Dictionary, 2000, p.1, cited by deChesnay and Anderson, 2008, p, 16). Vulnerability could apply to most people at some point in their lifetime. According to Pritchard (2001), there are many reasons why people will become vulnerable. People are unique individuals and will respond to certain situations for example ill health differently; however vulnerability can also apply to factors like race/ethnicity, gender or age. However, being vulnerable is not always regarded as a negative involvement; according to deChesnay and...