Specialties Private Duty
Published Jan 23, 2014
You are reading page 2 of DNR Orders
KelRN215, BSN, RN
1 Article; 7,349 Posts
I guess I just don't understand the point of having a DNR if the parents can change their mind at any time.
An adult with a DNR can change his mind at any time too. There are very few things in this life that are irreversible. Why wouldn't a parent be able to change his/her mind? Parents can change their mind about many things for their child's care. They can sign consent to enroll their child in a clinical trial and then revoke said consent at a later date. They can agree to surgery and then decide the morning of they don't want to do it.
caliotter3
38,333 Posts
My concern is not so much that they would change their minds about the DNR, but that they would misrepresent what really happened when bringing their lawsuit. The scent of money can change all kinds of circumstances.
xoemmylouox, ASN, RN
3,150 Posts
I had a patient that the order allowed all interventions but chest compressions. If they decided to change their mind and want them I would support their decision. I'd think you would face a higher chance of lawsuit if you did not follow through and the child died.
SDALPN
997 Posts
Get out if it isn't clear cut. Yes, they can change their mind at any time. But as things are happening its a bad time to change their mind. Our notes are only as good as our credibility in court. If a parent is unsure, its best to encourage them to make the child a full code since it can't be reversed if we follow DNR. I'd encourage the case manager to get the parents to go to some sort of counseling to help them make their decision and be confident in it. I don't know state specific laws other than my own. Safest option is to get out of the case.
smartnurse1982
1,775 Posts
Yes. I was esp thinking that if nobody is home and its an emergency,and I don't have time to call the parents,then what?
Of course,I would just save the child's life.
I do wonder what the penalty would be if I saved the kid and parents didn't want it if I was in a situation where I can't contact them.
I understand what you are saying,but during an emergency parents tend to be irrational.
This would be a great question for a nurse that works for a lawyer or is a lawyer. Just to be safe. The bad thing is laws can be interpreted differently by different people.