NRS-420 Topic 3 DQ 2

One of the primary roles of a nurse is the role of advocate. Teenagers’ needs are best met through emotional support and advocacy. The Christian worldview supports compassionate care as does the American Nurses Association (ANA) Code of Ethics located in the topic Resources. Provision 1 states that “the nurse practices with compassion and respect for the inherent dignity, worth and unique attributes of every person.” As nurses, our calling is to support the needs and vulnerabilities of our patients, regardless of our own personal beliefs. Teenagers today who may be questioning their sexuality and gender identity are entitled to and deserving of our support.

You are a nurse at a School-Based Health Center where a teenager disclosed that they are struggling with an LGBTQIA+ issue. Discuss how you would respond to this student. Explain what research has shown about the potential outcomes for teenagers who are not supported when in this difficult questioning period of “who they are.” Explain how you, as a nurse can demonstrate compassion and support of this student. Provide two resources that you could you offer this student, either locally or online. Be specific with the contact information for your resources.

Initial discussion question posts should be a minimum of 200 words and include at least two references cited using APA format. Responses to peers or faculty should be 100-150 words and include one reference. Refer to “RN-BSN DQ Rubric” and “RN-BSN Participation Rubric,” located in Class Resources, to understand the expectations for initial discussion question posts and participation posts, respectively. 

American Association of Colleges of Nursing Core Competencies for Professional Nursing Education

This assignment aligns to AACN Core Competencies 2.1, 2.2, 9.1, 3.1.

Sample Answer for NRS-420 Topic 3 DQ 2

In California, the law provides specific guidelines that allow teenagers to consent to medical and psychological care under certain circumstances without parental knowledge or consent. According to the California Family Code, minors can consent to medical care related to the prevention or treatment of sexually transmitted diseases, family planning, and substance abuse, as well as access to mental health services, without the need for parental approval (2005 California Family Code Sections 6920-6929, CHAPTER 3, CONSENT by MINOR).

Additionally, California’s law supports the provision of mental health treatment to minors aged 12 and older if the attending physician deems it necessary and if the minor is mature enough to participate intelligently in the mental health treatment decisions. This is crucial, as mental health issues do not always allow for delay, and timely intervention can be vital to the adolescent’s well-being and recovery (2005 California Family Code Sections 6920-6929, CHAPTER 3, CONSENT by MINOR).

These statutes aim to empower teenagers, acknowledging their capacity to make informed decisions about their health and well-being in situations where they might otherwise avoid seeking necessary care due to concerns about confidentiality or parental consent.

References:

2005 California Family Code Sections 6920-6929 :: :: CHAPTER 3. :: CONSENT BY MINOR. Justia Law. Retrieved April 16, 2024, from https://law.justia.com/codes/california/2005/fam/6920-6929.html

Sample Answer for NRS-420 Topic 3 DQ 2

In Kansas, the age of majority is 18 years old, but those aged 16 or older have the legal right to provide informed consent for sexually transmitted diseases, those 14 and older for HIV and 12 or older for general health care services or procedures not specific to a disease or condition (CDC, 2022).  In Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHC), it is not uncommon for any child 12 and up to be asked if they would like their parent to be excused from the room.  In my own practice, letting the 12 and up age group know I would be asking some sensitive questions and it’s their decision on whether to include their parent or guardian.  One instance that will forever stick out in my mind, is a 14-year-old trans-gender girl.  Her guardian did not want to step out of the room, but finally did.  That patient was my first patient I had to turn in a report to the state of Kansas on sexual abuse. 

Reference

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2022). Legal Ability of Minors to Consent to STD and HIV Services. Retrieved April 17, 2024, from https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/policies/law/states/minors.html

Sample Answer for NRS-420 Topic 3 DQ 2

Under Utah law, certain minors are granted the authority to consent to their own general medical care as if they were adults. This includes legally emancipated minors, individuals in active military service, unaccompanied homeless minors aged 15 or older, and minors who are lawfully married. By recognizing these specific categories of minors as capable of making decisions regarding their medical treatment, the law aims to ensure that individuals in these circumstances have the autonomy and agency to address their healthcare needs without unnecessary barriers. This provision reflects a recognition of the unique circumstances and responsibilities that these minors may face, allowing them to exercise greater control over their own medical care (Utah Code Section 78B-3-406, n.d.). 

Utah Code Section 78B-3-406. (n.d.). Le.utah.gov. https://le.utah.gov/xcode/Title78B/Chapter3/78B-3-S406.html

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Sample Answer for NRS-420 Topic 3 DQ 2

In the state of Missouri, the laws for emancipation are vague at best. Emancipation is not typically offer to youth under 16. Emancipation is offered under common law. A minor can become emancipated in one of three ways:

Your parents give their express consent to the court to terminate their parental rights;

Your parents give their implied consent by permitting you to live on your own, support yourself, and have already effectively given up their parental rights; or

You have married or enlisted in the military.

https://www.findlaw.com/state/missouri-law/missouri-emancipation-laws.html

Sample Answer for NRS-420 Topic 3 DQ 2

Kansas allows a person who is at least 14 years old to begin seeking legal emancipation.  If a teenager is 16 or older, there has to be specific circumstances to pursue early emancipation.  The teenager must not be living with their parents or guardian. The teenager has to provide proof of a stable living arrangement on where they plan to live after emancipation. The parent or guardian must consent to the teenager living away from their parental home.  If the parent won’t sign the teen has to show they have acquiesced to their living situation.  An emancipated teen must know they aren’t automatically eligible for public benefits (Kansas Legal Services, 2023).  It’s important for a teen in Kansas to have legal counsel.

Reference

Kansas Legal Services (2023, April 25). Emancipation in Kansas. Retrieved from https://www.kansaslegalservices.org/node/2050/emancipation