So Im not a newbie, but Im FARRR from being a veteran...
Im in LTC, great facility, great nurses.
Like all night shifts, we basically avoid calling the MD unless its necessary.
However last night...pt was having some resp distess/possible seiz activity with a stoke high bp and low 02's.
pt was a "DNR"
ER nurse has the gall to ask ((after I spill into report and then state "active DNR"))
and just what are you sending the pt over for....
mmmmkkkkay....let me repeat myself LOW 02, HI BP, RESP DISTRESS, and SEIZ ACTIVITY!!!!
Of course, I didn't say that. I repeated it all back in a very kind-but-snippity manner and then stated "doctors orders" Do you ever fee like some Doctors/Hospitals/EMTs take DNR to far?
I say it like this DNR means EXACTLY that. Its not an excuse to not treat someone wether activily passing or in an acute situation. W/W does not mean not treat. If a pt's family didn't want treatment...they'd say so. Otherwise, its our responsibility as well as everyone involved in their care. Can I get an Amen???
With all due respect - duh! Not sure what people aren't getting about the fact that the LTC nurse can only educate residents and family on the choices they have and the risk/benefits of those choices. After that it is THEIR choice and I am required to do what they instruct me to do. Acute care must have the same problem with the same families as most often the eventually return to us "treated". (This is part of the discord between nursing specialties - we don't always try to see the obstacles the other faces)
I'm sorry, I didn't really mean it that way. I was just ranting, nothing personal or directed specifically at LTC nurses. I know you're doing the best you can. I really think that as a society in general, we FAIL when it comes to treating death as the natural process that it is and planning for it.
Anna Flaxis, BSN, RN
1 Article; 2,816 Posts
I'm sorry, I didn't really mean it that way. I was just ranting, nothing personal or directed specifically at LTC nurses. I know you're doing the best you can. I really think that as a society in general, we FAIL when it comes to treating death as the natural process that it is and planning for it.