As a RN, which would you choose?

Nurses General Nursing

Published

  1. As a clinical professional, which would you choose?

    • 30
      C.P.R
    • 24
      D.N.R
    • 13
      Others 9 (e.g. CPR but no intubation)

67 members have participated

Quite recently a friend (non clinical) asked me whether hypothetically if there was a medically critical situation would i choose a life saving intervention or otherwise? Instead i showed her my necklace which i always wear which states "Do Not Resuscitate in an emergency". She was shocked.

Now this decision was not done lightly. I have witnessed and performed many CPR's in my time. Personally i do think that CPR is an invasive, burdensome and punishing procedure. However, i would not deny anyone seeking this intervention.

Would you choose CPR or DNR? Kindly share your opinions.

Specializes in Pediatric Critical Care.
What about an accidental overdose- want Narcan?

Would a DNR mean no narcan? If you appeared to have had too many narcotics, were unconscious/obtunded, and had a respiratory rate of 4....would a DNR mean that you don't get narcan?

Specializes in Psych (25 years), Medical (15 years).
I agree with the others who have said that it depends on the situation.

Yeah... "DNR" should also stand for "Dead N Ready"!

My DNR cites specific circumstances and my loved ones have been quizzed on and are aware of my wishes.

There really are no insurance polices, but I find comfort in proclaiming my desires.

Besides, as a kid, I learned from watching old Elvis movies that chicks really dig guys who are DNRs!

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Specializes in Gerontology.

Not sure if a necklace with DNR would be enough to qualify for a DNR.

There is no signature. There is no record of a discussion with you that you do not want aggressive treatment.

I hope you have the appropriate DNR paperwork somewhere that your family can access and use to back up your DNR wishes.

That being safe, I agree with those who,have pointed out that there is a big difference between CPR for an acute care episode and DNR

In a cancer pt.

Of course, I have always joked that when I old I will have DNR tattooed a rose my chest, no feeding tube on my stomach and no enemas across my butt!!

Specializes in ICU, CCU, NICU and L&D.
But, in your picture, you look young for a DNR. Question- you walk into the ER for a fairly benign complaint, and go into a lethal dysrythmia, easily correctable with a shock. Do you want the shock? What about an accidental overdose- want Narcan?

The answer to both your questions is no in. Why prolong the inevitable? it's the same thing either way.

I won't deny anyone else seeking it.

I have witnessed and performed many CPR's in my time. Personally i do think that CPR is an invasive, burdensome and punishing procedure.

Sure, maybe for the 90 year old stroke victim, but maybe not for the 40 year old cardiac arrest. It's not up to us to make this determination.

Also, I don't remember these BLS steps:

1. Scene is safe

2. Check for DNR jewelry

I think you'd be better off with a living will/advanced directive and POLST with friends and family knowing your wishes than the necklace IMHO.

Still, people don't usually carry their POLST with them. If a person goes down somewhere and doesn't have a pulse, chances are they'll get CPR. Punishing or not.

The answer to both your questions is no. Why prolong the inevitable? it's the same thing either way.

Word?

Do you need some help?

Specializes in Pediatrics Retired.

No way I'd let you bleed out because of your necklace. But you definitely have a unique opinion.

Specializes in ICU, CCU, NICU and L&D.
Did you get this done through your state, if not fyi you will still be getting CPR! As an EMS provider we would never not do CPR because of a necklace a patient had on unless it was a legal for of DNR. Your necklace means absolutely nothing to EMS providers if it isnr legal.

If this were legal I would be getting one for my sister in law ans following her around with it!

It is legal for me, as i do have the relevant documents. Not only its on my necklace, i do have a small card in my wallet that states that I don't want to be resuscitated in any event which is certified by state.

Specializes in Informatics / Trauma / Hospice / Immunology.

Yes. I think EMTs would defer to medical authority (MICU or MD) to call this. I was taught back in the day to find the supporting document if possible. On a real level, if that patient is a total chronic mess and has that real bracelet and card, I think cpr may be held until at least arrival.

Specializes in Informatics / Trauma / Hospice / Immunology.

If there is a question about the legitimacy of the documents, cpr begins. If the staff is confused on the issue or something doesn't add up, cpr begins. Then again, documentation can be fine tuned as to what to hold and when. Medics probably ignore all of this to defer to the hospital. Any medics?

Where I am right now in terms of age and health, and it's witnessed as well as initiated timely, yes please attempt resuscitation.

If I'm no longer highly functioning and/or have late stages of disease, don't even treat infection let alone CPR. Keep me comfortable and let me go.

Specializes in ICU, CCU, NICU and L&D.
Would you choose CPR or DNR? Kindly share your opinions.

My original post is not about me or my decisions (I used my personal choice as an example). I wanted to know what were your thoughts on whether you would choose C.P.R or D.N.R?

My apologies if that was lost in translation.

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