Breaking news refers to a rapid news event that is ongoing, requiring journalists to report as events unfold. This urgency may require that they not have time to verify and confirm all of the details, especially if the event has immediate consequences for a large number of people. The nature of breaking news requires that journalists communicate quickly in order to inform their audiences, which has led to some ethical considerations regarding accuracy and avoiding sensationalism.
Delivering bad news can be a difficult task, regardless of the setting in which it is delivered. As such, it is important for NPs to prepare a mental strategy to convey the news in a timely and compassionate manner, and ensure that they are not overstepping their bounds.
In the case of a patient with a serious condition, this is particularly true. Whether the news is that treatment has failed, options for disease control have been exhausted, or the news is that death is imminent, the NP must be prepared to provide the appropriate information to the patient and family members.
In all cases, however, the bigger objective of delivering bad news is to help the recipient pursue a desirable outcome. For example, in a business context, this could mean encouraging the employee to leave gracefully. In a medical or law-enforcement context, this might mean helping a victim stay calm and seek support. It is possible to achieve the desired objective of breaking bad news through a carefully crafted conversation that focuses on understanding the recipient’s circumstances, history and stake in the story, and provides them with options they can choose from.