DNR Orders

The first a few weeks ago I acually did "revive" the child(pulse was 28,02 sat was 0),Mom called the Ambulance.

The EMT's looked at me as if I was from outer space because the DNR order is above the bed.

They really didn't want to take her to the hospital.

I had to show them that it said"To be followed at Parent's discretion".

They couldn't understand. They thought it was weird.

Which means,if the parent wanted me to Cpr despite the order,I have to do it?

But what if they turn around and say"we didn't want her to do cpr".

Ii would have nothing to stand on but my nurses notes.

agree with smartnurse1982. The written word is stronger than the spoken one. I would certainly want witnesses. And I would want a case manager for that state to explain it to me - not othe parents

Yes, if the parents say they want you to CPR you have to do it. Your nurses notes are legal documents and will back you up. Which is worse? Not acting when they ask you to and letting the baby die (which can't be undone), or saving the baby's life because the parents had an understandably weak moment? Happens in the ER occasionally. Family members cave in at the last minute, hoping for a miracle.

It sometimes helps if the family witnesses the resuscitation. Also, further education helps prepare for next time. You did the right thing under the circumstances, in my opinion.

Thanks, Esme12

This is how it goes in pediatrics. I've seen DNRs written to say things like "intubate for respiratory failure if parents are not at the bedside. Call parents, they will come to the hospital and make decision as to how to proceed."

Nj has some really,really weird laws.

I better hurry and get back to Delaware.

Irrespective of the DNR scenario, my agency supervisors have always supported the parent's right to tell us what to do and how to do it. At the point where I feel pressured to go too far against my better judgment, I would find another case. As often as family members contradict themselves on the little everyday matters, it is not out of the realm of possibility that they would do so in this situation, to the detriment of the nurse.

I guess I just don't understand the point of having a DNR if the parents can change their mind at any time.

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.