First Code stupid paperwork

Nurses Stress 101

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A patient was admitted with a DNR/living will they had signed. Papers noted and put in chart. Family listed as financial POA, not medical. Weeks later, family shows up and when asked about the DNR, they state they are aware, but have to have a family meeting about it before they sign DNR papers, as they now have POA. It was explained that if something should happen, before a decision is reached, we will have to code said patient, which is against their wishes. Patient signed papers years ago, before a decline and before POA. Anyway, as soon as family leaves, patient is unresponsive. Had to call a code. It was so sad. Nurse giving compressions kept saying they felt ribs breaking. So, so sad. I will remember this day forever. Btw, we were able to establish a rhythm but patient later coded and passed.

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