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?
Back to the original topic, I can tell you as a paramedic for 18 years and as an ER nurse for 11+, we resuscitate until we learn that we shouldn't. We received plenty of coding patients from a particular nearby facility who never seemed to have that DNR order at hand until later. But what is done can be undone, lifesaving measures can be withdrawn and terminated, and if the patient goes, they go. If they survive, they were probably meant to. Anyone found down that arrives as a Jane/John Doe is going to get the full measure of our efforts.
SilverBells , you can have a living will put into place with specific directives. You can make your family aware, and it will be up to them to ensure your wishes are followed. Your own personal "code status" has zero bearing where you are not a patient.
SilverBells , you can have a living will put into place with specific directives. You can make your family aware, and it will be up to them to ensure your wishes are followed. Your own personal "code status" has zero bearing where you are not a patient.
Shoot, so it sounds as if I were to code at work, someone would probably perform CPR since I am not a patient at the facility. I doubt I would have any family that would tell them to stop either.
It appears that my journey to obtaining DNR/DNI status will be more difficult than thought. I've already had several doctors decline to sign any documents...and it sounds like there's a good chance these wishes wouldn't be respected at work anyway....what a dilemma....
Okay, I need to confess to something here, and please believe me, I apologize profusely for my actions, but...
I am SilverBells.
I know it's against the TOS for having multiple accounts, but I'm a rogue narcissist who wanted to liven things up a bit here on allnurses.
Please, please forgive me.
Assuming the latest twist in this continuing drama is true, all I can say is that I’m not very surprised. You have been very defensive of and kind of been fawning excessively over SilverBells, Davey. At the very least you and Ms Bells appear to have a very symbiotic and enabling relationship.
In case anyone was wondering, now you know the reason for my saying back on page three of this thread that I wasn’t about to share my (psycho)analysis of OP here, and why I referred to OP as ”him or her”.
The him wasn’t randomly added.
Ah, forgiveness... I personally don’t take the internet to heart. You are certainly a valued presence on AN and I think you contribute a lot of positive things here. This however might be a dangerous game you’re playing, but I’ll let others be the judge of that.
SilverBells, BSN
1,108 Posts
But yes, this thread has become quite amusing in a strange way...