What states allow RN's to pronounce death? - page 3

1. 
   Jul 22, '11

   Interesting, I never knew that some states allowed an RN to pronounce. I have never been around alot of death as a nurse (mainly peds), but the times I have seen pt's die expectantly, in the middle of the night, the RN is waiting around for the "DR to pronounce."
2. 
   Jul 22, '11

   NC- my stepfather died 2 days ago in hospice- 2 RNs did chest auscultation to verify no heart beat, then called TOD.

   Last edit by RN in training on Jul 22, '11 : Reason: oops wrong word
3. 
   Jul 23, '11

   In Vermont in LTC one RN can pronounce with MD order.
4. 
   Jul 23, '11

   I know it says States but just felt like answering!
   
   In Ontario, one nurse to pronounce death in the case that it is expected (ex. DNR, palliative) but it has to be with a doctors order and depends on the patient. Sometimes a patient dies (DNR) and I call the doctor to explain the background history and get the order to pronounce and send off to the morgue.

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