Note: This might seem like a strange topic, but seeing as how that is nothing new coming from the source, I'll go ahead anyway.
As nurses, we are trained to do everything we can to save someone until it's no longer feasible or unless doing so would go against a patient's wishes, such as performing CPR for a patient with a a DNR/DNI.
However, theoretically, anyone of us could "code" at anytime--and this includes at work.
For those who are full codes, this wouldn't create any ethical issues. You would simply perform CPR on your coworker as you would anyone else.
However, for those who have DNR/DNIs, issues could come up if coworkers are unaware such orders exist. How do we ensure that these coworkers have their wishes respected should the need come up?
For example, I am legally a Full Code but am wanting to pursue a DNR/DNI. Based on my age and no apparent health issues, I have a feeling most of my coworkers would automatically assume I am a Full Code should circumstances arise, however.
What is the best way to inform my coworkers that under no circumstances should anyone provide CPR to me?
For the rest of you, how do you ensure your coworkers' wishes for CPR or no CPR are ensured? Have you ever experienced such an ethical dilemma at work?
From previous posts you describe a very chaotic work environment populated by incompetent nincompoops so can't be sure what would happen, even if you had a DNR form in your pocket. I wouldn't want to be the one watching a co-worker die on the floor in front of me, that would be terrible, no matter what their wishes.
But to be serious a minute, you could keel over anywhere, supermarket, car wash, movie theater, etc. It's an interesting question, my understanding is that responders are required to attempt CPR until they have confirmation of cor status, someone else might know more on the subject...
Thread is already discussing the issue of confirming DNR forms and MOST status, but my thought is that if dropping dead at work is a real concern, you probably shouldn't go to work.
From previous posts you describe a very chaotic work environment populated by incompetent nincompoops so can't be sure what would happen, even if you had a DNR form in your pocket. I wouldn't want to be the one watching a co-worker die on the floor in front of me, that would be terrible, no matter what their wishes.
But to be serious a minute, you could keel over anywhere, supermarket, car wash, movie theater, etc. It's an interesting question, my understanding is that responders are required to attempt CPR until they have confirmation of cor status, someone else might know more on the subject...
Thread is already discussing the issue of confirming DNR forms and MOST status, but my thought is that if dropping dead at work is a real concern, you probably shouldn't go to work.
That is true that anyone could pass away at any given moment in any location. I feel as if my chance might be increased at work, if only because there might come a day when my heart becomes tired of maintaining a heart rate of 150+bpm at any given moment and my body becomes tired of the effects resulting from drinking 15 Diet Pepsis on any given day along with little food intake, much of which is of no nutritional substance and is high in sugar. Usually, when I am in other locations, such as the grocery store, I haven't just finished drinking my 15th Diet Pepsi that day. Therefore, I am just wanting to plan ahead should something happen. It seems silly to avoid going to work altogether, though, just because I "might" pass out. With that said, it seems that it could go either way as to whether or not I would be resuscitated if my heart were to stop at work...as many of you have mentioned, usually there is no time to look for anyone's code status/advance directive in such a situation, so most would automatically assume a Full Code, perform CPR and call 911. I was just curious if there was any way to increase the likelihood that none of those options would be performed. And since it could be disruptive to the day of any witnesses, I think it might be good to prepare coworkers should that day come. With my luck, though, I would pass out in front of the coworker who has no idea of my desire to not be a full code. LOL ??
This is very sad to read. I think if I were working with you I would be very distressed to see a co-worker going through this living death. But I don't think you have to prepare any of your co-workers. I'm sure they are all aware and emotionally prepared for that moment to come.
OP - playing Devil's Advocate, do you know any of your co-workers' code status???
If one of them keels over, what will YOU do???
This is what I'm asking with roles reversed.
No, not specifically. Obviously, if you don't know their code status, you would be obligated to assume "Full Code," perform CPR and call 911. However, if someone was a well known DNR/DNI and it could be proven, that might be a different story. Thus, this is where the ethical dilemma lies...
This is very sad to read. I think if I were working with you I would be very distressed to see a co-worker going through this living death. But I don't think you have to prepare any of your co-workers. I'm sure they are all aware and emotionally prepared for that moment to come.
All of my coworkers are well aware of my excessive pop intake, poor nutritional intake and high heart rates, so presumably would also be aware of the risk of an emergency happening at work. Some of us have even joked about it actually happening, so I think most of them are aware it is a very real possibility.
There you go. It's not about you, indeed. Don't ask your coworkers to feed into your "end of life wishes" grand plan dangling from a dirty lanyard. They are there to work, not to worry about your code status.
LOL you might as well say "they are there to work, not worry about ANYONES code status," with that attitude.
Its really not hard to glance down to see a bracelet or to look at the back of a nametag that you will be removing to do BLS, as you are moving it away.
Ohh.. boo friggin hoo. LOL
DNROs are legal mandates, and people who understand the law and take the time to have consideration for others, WILL understand the law and will abide by that patient OR coworkers legally binding health care choices.
Verbal discussion only at this point. I started this thread because I wasn't sure how to "officially" communicate these wishes.
What state are you in? Because thats the only way anyone can help you learn how to let your coworkers know what to do and what counts and doesnt count.
Oregon law is different from Florida law. I will say that since researching Oregon law for another nurse, I have yet to find any portable DNR provisions, but the long and the short of that is probably going to be posting an official DNRO at your work station while keeping a copy on your person, and letting co workers know your wishes.
Connecticut requires a DNR bracelet, even outside of hospitals, which is by law.
Florida has a portable yellow DNRO card which simply allows us to clip it to the name tag holder on our scrub uniforms/ lab coats etc.
Just tell me what state you are in and I will see if theres anything you havent done that will help your coworkers to know your health care choice as a DNR status.
Im literally about to make a website dedicated to DNRO orders and state to state requirements.
I mean, this is just ridiculous. Most of these people really just don't know how to do their duty of checking, and then theres a few that obviously are ambivolent to heeding anyones wishes that arent family or a close personal friend.
But alas. Your health care choices DESERVE respect.
Every one of them. So name a state you need DNRO info on and I will be glad to help.
PoodleBreath
69 Posts
From previous posts you describe a very chaotic work environment populated by incompetent nincompoops so can't be sure what would happen, even if you had a DNR form in your pocket. I wouldn't want to be the one watching a co-worker die on the floor in front of me, that would be terrible, no matter what their wishes.
But to be serious a minute, you could keel over anywhere, supermarket, car wash, movie theater, etc. It's an interesting question, my understanding is that responders are required to attempt CPR until they have confirmation of cor status, someone else might know more on the subject...
Thread is already discussing the issue of confirming DNR forms and MOST status, but my thought is that if dropping dead at work is a real concern, you probably shouldn't go to work.