Nurses and Advance Directives

1. Hello to all,
   
   I have been thinking a lot about the Teri Schiavo case. As I am sure a lot of have been. Although I would like to get an advance directive, I am clueless about how to get this done. I have looked around online and most of the services I have found seem sketchy to me. I was wondering if anyone here could enlighten me? How does one go about getting an advance directive and is there a website/service that you recommend? I have also heard that this process can be expensive but I think that was in regards to a living will or trust, which by the way, I am not sure how it differs from an advance directive. As you can see I am fairly ignorant about all this stuff. I would like to start educating myself so that I can share this with my patients and friends in the future.
   
   Thank you all for any input.
   
   Jemride
2. 

   About jemride

   Joined: Oct '03; Posts: 36
   Surgical tech

   4 Comments

   Topic Closed
3. 
   Mar 24, '05

   Try Nolo. They are a reputable business that deals with legal forms and information.
   
   This link is a place for you to start learning your options.
   
   Once you read what your options are, go to the bookstore and take a look at this book.
   
   Writing your Will and planning your Estate may cost some money because more than likely you will want the assistance of an attorney, but creating a Medical Advance Directive or a Healthcare Power of Attorney can be very inexpensive or even free. I would recommend something like that book if you plan to do it on your own (which is VERY doable).
4. 
   Mar 24, '05

   Check out discussion and links here:
   Do you have a living will?
5. 
   Mar 24, '05

   Also, and specifically for the state of California, you can find information and forms at any one of these websites (just picked up these websites off my local news):
   
   Office of the Attorney General of the State of California
   
   California Medical Association
   
   AARP
6. 
   Mar 24, '05

   Quote from NRSKarenRN

   Do you have a living will?

   Thanks Karen! I didn't notice this thread before.

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