Widow's tattoo states dying wish

[nurseinstructor]

http://www.cnn.com/2003/WORLD/europe/03/06/offbeat.widow.tattoo.reut/index.html

LONDON, England (Reuters) -- An 85 year-old widow is so determined not to be resuscitated against her will by doctors that she has tattooed the words "Do Not Resuscitate" across her chest.

Frances Polack, a former nurse, said she paid 25 pounds ($40) for a tattoo with the instruction and a heart with a 'no-go' sign in red and blue to ensure medical staff knew she did not want to be revived.

"Years ago when I was nursing I could see they resuscitated so many people they shouldn't have," Polack told the Nursing Standard magazine.

"I don't want to die twice. By resuscitating me, they would be bringing me back from the dead only for me to have to go through it again," Polack said.

The white-haired pensioner who lives in the New Forest in the south of England said she visited a local tattooist with a friend. "I don't know if I want to start a fashion, but I hope I will start a debate," she said.

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Copyright 2003 Reuters

[Whisper]

-jt,

Does your local newspaper, have an internet link? I am gathering information for a debate and essay on DNR , and would be really interested in reading those articles.

Whisper

[-jt]

http://www.silive.com

[agnewRN]

I also cared for a middle age gentleman with terminal cancer that had a tattoo on his chest DNR. I didn't believe it at first when I read the admit assessment but he gladly showed it and had all his "legal documents " in place to support it. He said he didn't want to take any chances. My only comment to him was hope he doesn't change his mind. He reassured me he wouldn't.

[Allison S.]

Tangentially, I went to school with a guy who had a "biohazard" tattoo. I tried to explain to him that this goes without saying.

[LasVegasRN]

Originally posted by -jt

Well, it can be humorous to hear these stories but I think its so ridiculous that the public actually thinks a tatoo is a valid DNR consent. A DNR tatoo will not prevent her from being resuscitated. An RN in my community had DNR tatooed across his chest for many years. When he was a victim in car accident a few years ago, even though the tatoo was clear, he was still resuscitated. A DNR tatoo cant be considered an advance directive. Its just another tatoo. The healthcare professionals couldnt just say oh look at his tatoo - hes a DNR, and then stand back & do nothing. They would have been legally liable for neglience if they had with-held CPR just because of some initials on his skin. So, legally, they had to resuscitate him everytime he coded - until the family made the decision in writing (on a paper consent form). And the whole story was in our local newspaper for days. If these people feel so strongly about not being resuscitated that they took the time, expense, and pain of getting a tatoo, they should also take the time to discuss their wishes with their families and MDs, and put it all in writing in a legally binding paper document, so it can be upheld without question. Besides, the paper advance directives forms are free and they dont hurt. All this RN had was his tatoo and that didnt count, so his wishes could not be carried out until his family finally gave written permission. So sad.

Well stated. Should also discuss organ donation.

[wv_nurse 2003]

Actually I think this 85 year old woman is trying to make a statement--how many times have you seen elderly people even with the proper legal documents--be resuscitated because family members (alive and well) insisted health care providers do "everything possible." Its sad, and we can say how wrong it is ethically--but it happens.

I think if an 85 year old mother/grandmother/aunt took such a drastic step--it would certainly make the message loud and clear.

[kids]

Has anyone considered that having all of the signed documents in the world saying you are a DNR will not do you ONE bit of good if you are in an accident or keel over on the street? EMS or ER staff are not going to figure out who you are and call your family to ask if you have advanced directives before starting CPR if you code.

[shoelace]

Of course it isn't a *legal* document, but you'd think we'd give even MORE credence to a freaking tattoo. Anyone have one? They HURT! Anyone willing to go through that pain should have their inked wishes honored, legal document or not!

[coowip]

MY FRIENDS AND I HAVE ALL MADE A PACT THAT IF WE BECOME INCAPACITATED IN ANY WAY WE WILL HONOUR THE DNR WISHES. WE WILL ALSO HELP EACH OTHER DIE IN A DIGNIFIED MANNER ( LITTLE EXTRA MORPHINE HEAR AND THERE) IF YOU KNOW WHAT I MEAN.

[HoustonRN]

I think if they had DNR tattoo'd on their CHEST, that they knew exactly what they were asking for and would respect their wishes.

[gwenith, BSN, RN]

In the early days of resuscitation the definition of a cardiac arrest was a "Sudden and unexpected cessation of cardiac output". This allowed us to differentiate between an expected death and a cardiac arrest. Over the years the opposite has become accepted where now all are resuscitated unless the person has laid in place a quite complex legal wish for the opposite.

What bugs me is cases where the possibility has never been discussed with the family. Had one in ICU the other week cerebral palsy - very limited ability 24 hour care unknown mental capacity severely distorted body. Resused in ED with ETT down - then of course must ventilate. His chest was abnormal in shape, he was on hiw umpteenth aspiration pneumonia despite feeding via a PEG.

Relatives though were shocked and had never considered that he might coem to the point of requiring resuscitation. No-one had ever discussed what we should do in event of deterioration. Shouldn't the doctors who normally see this kid have discussed resuscitation at some time?

[Hellllllo Nurse, BSN, RN]

How about having the pt's doc and two lawyers sign/tattoo their signatures under the DNR tattoo, AND having DNR/advanced directives on file at an attourney's office?

Would that make the tattoo legally binding?

Any LNCs care to comment?