what to do with DNR

RNonsense · Feb 23, 2003

Glad to hear you got that part sorted out...

Tweety, BSN, RN · Feb 23, 2003

Originally posted by angelbear
Not a hospital LTC. No no round table discussions. My pt comfort as well as my license were what I was concerned about. UPDATE coworker and I refused to work until we had a specific written protocal to follow. PRN diastat order reodered by MD including protocal. Thanks for all the support and advise. John I dont know about anyone else but there are no stupid questions except those not asked. Welcome to our world.

How about an "ethics" committee.

You may be covered by the MD's order, but now you are against the wishes of the family. Can they sue you? Is your license still on the line? Just questions?

Sigh....whate a world it is.

sixes · Feb 23, 2003

In Canada DNR means do not resuitate it certainly doesn't mean do not treat. While I was a student my Nanny who was diabtetic had a massive stroke. She was end stage renal failure. She was not a DNR so she was revived. Once on the ICU the hardest thing I had to do was explain to my PaPa that the seizures she was having wasn't her trying to talk to him. They always started with facial ticks. The unit nurses were great she recieved all her meds and stood by me when I asked if she was in pain. No one could answer that question and she was put on a morphine drip. My Nanny passed away peacefully with no further seizure activity. I loved her so much she was so proud I was becoming a nurse. I became an RN one year to the day she passed. I have no regrets she could not speak for herself so someone had to. Please speak up for your client and get answers to your questions. Good Luck, thank you for caring

ChainedChaosRN · Feb 23, 2003

I work with other nurses and even physicians that get all wrapped up in "DNR"...what to do, what not to do. My question to them is always the same: Has any vital signs ceased? Answer is always no...then there is nothing to talk about. The DNR does not kick in until that time. Usually settles the issue promptly.

cactus wren · Feb 23, 2003

Originally posted by ChainedChaosRN
I work with other nurses and even physicians that get all wrapped up in "DNR"...what to do, what not to do. My question to them is always the same: Has any vital signs ceased? Answer is always no...then there is nothing to talk about. The DNR does not kick in until that time. Usually settles the issue promptly.

Great point...I`ll remember that one......

ktwlpn, LPN · Feb 24, 2003

Originally posted by angelbear
Not a hospital LTC. No no round table discussions. My pt comfort as well as my license were what I was concerned about. UPDATE coworker and I refused to work until we had a specific written protocal to follow. PRN diastat order reodered by MD including protocal. Thanks for all the support and advise. John I dont know about anyone else but there are no stupid questions except those not asked. Welcome to our world.

You did a great job advocating for your patient. I would hope that most docs would stand up to a patients family or guardian in this type of situation and protect the pt but sadly I have learned that many docs just schmooze them and the pt suffers..Takes guts to step up like you did and I hope that I have a nurse like you when I need one....

angelbear · Feb 24, 2003

You all have been a great support. Thank you so much. Advocating for a pt is a priority for me. I must admit though it is not always easy for someone who doesnt like conflict but it is usually worth it. 3rd shift guy I dont think my license would be in jeopardy since I am not failing to treat and I am following MD orders. If I am wrong please tell me as my license is also very important to me.