Problem
As part of his clinical practicum Joe works with patients in the tuberculosis (TB) clinic. Mary has an active TB and is a patient of Joe at the local clinic. Per protocol, Pt with active TB are instructed not to work handling food (among other restrictions), to prevent contagion, until they have completed a full course of treatment and are medically cleared. One evening, Joe ordered a pizza to be delivered. Surprisingly Mary who works at a local pizza restaurant in town made the pizza delivery to joe and his roommate's house.
Joe saw her and said, "Mary you know, you're not supposed to work with food." Mary say to Joe, "I know, but I don't handle the food directly. I just deliver it. Mary says to Joe, please don't say anything to the clinic, okay? I really need this job, I have a family to feed." Joe says nothing in response, pays for the pizza, and tips Mary. Joe wonders whether he should even eat the pizza, and whether he should communicate his concern to his roommate. He is also conflicted about whether to report the incident to his preceptor or clinical instructor. Joe also was unsure whether "handling food" includes delivery, or what is involved in the patient's job.
a) How would you as a DNP prepared nurse approach this dilemma?
b) How would interprofessional ethics, values and moral courage come into play?