Pronouncing Death

[lumbarpain]

I have been out of the Nursing scene for a few years....and would like to know what the RNS exactly do when someone passes away at their facility....from the time of death , to calling the MD, poa, family. and funeral home to what the CNAs do. How and what do you say to the family, besides I am sorry....... What do you document in the medical record . Its been awhile for me and I am somewhat rusty. I am finding this more difficult to do as I get older.

[NurseQT]

When a resident passes the RN checks vitals or lack there of, oxygen (if being used) is turned off. Call is placed to MD for time of death and an order to release the body. Family is then notified if they are not already there. In the meantime CNAs do postmortem cares, change the top sheet and quilt, pull the curtains, and place some chairs around the bed for the family if they choose to sit by their loved ones bedside for a bit. We than call the funeral home when the family is ready. Document everything in the nurses notes including the time the body left and what if any belongings were sent with. Meds are pulled from the med cart and if it's after hours messages are left for all the dept heads. The census is also updated.

[NutmeggeRN, BSN]

also adjust census and notify other departments

ask family what to do with rings, hearing aids, etc.

Once someone is prounounced and everything is taken care of, there is a group email we send. It captures everyone that needs to be notified at once. No need to stop and think about who may need it, it is already built into the contacts