Can I not perform CPR?

[LovebugLPN]

I already posted this in Agency Nursing but thought I may get more replies here. I recently took a CPR class that included me (LPN) and 8 PCAs. The instructor told us we were to no longer check pulses before or during CPR. He also stated if we came upon a case and the client was dead we should not "bother" with CPR. I first am concerned because you are asking people to determine death without ever checking a pulse and also my understanding was that I was in no place to pronounce somebody dead. I brought this to the instructor's attention and got a shoulder shrug so now I will ask you guys.

[vampiregirl, BSN, RN]

Definitely not trying to pick an argument, but just for clarification... this is incorrect right? In a code/CPR situation we would not be expected to consider the person's quality of life before deciding on whether to do CPR or not? I know that some people really need to be at rest and that at times it can be a blessing, but I thought that we were to just go through the motions of saving them until/unless we were told otherwise by the person who "calls the code" or by DNR paperwork?

Personally, I don't think that I have the right to make "quality of life" decisions when I respond to an emergency.

CPR courses are designed to teach individuals how to respond appropriately in an emergency. The steps are presented to be simple, effective, and easy to follow. The emphasis is on knowing what to do and not having to put a lot of thought into it. Often times in an emergency, clear objective thinking becomes a little cloudy.

If you try to integrate difficult ethical decisions into this type of course, the consequences would be disastorous. Not only for the patient, but also for the rescuer who would have to live with the decision they made. I'm also guessing that this would negate any applicable Good Samaritan Laws and could also compromise professional licences and certifications.l