Authors

  1. McDonald, Lisa RN

Article Content

I realize that the views expressed by Toni Inglis in "Vaccine Fear Derails Triumph Over Disease" (Viewpoint, August) are her own and not necessarily those of AJN; however, I was disheartened to see such strong criticism of patients who question vaccination. I think this goes against a nurse's code of ethics and everything I am being taught in my undergraduate nursing courses.

 

Patients have rights and autonomy, allowing them to make decisions for themselves and their children within the confines of the law. It is not up to nurses or physicians to bully patients into doing what they want, but rather to build trust and respect while providing the best available information.

 

Working with patients who refuse vaccines can be frustrating at times, but we must find a better way to reach them.

 

Lisa McDonald, RN

 

Monroe, NY