cloverleafLPN

Exactly what I'm talking about! LTC is also full of people below 60 and are in good health...just need a little help. Heck my grandfather is 70 years old and you better believe when he's sick he's going somewhere. Age is a number...the person and their situation is not and just because you call someone and say "pt has DNR" does not give them the okay to have snappy attitudes and preconceived notions that they are starting to make a bucket list...it's not fair to the patient and IMHO it takes away Tom the ones who aren't in the process of passings care. I just think maybe some people on the other end of the phone should not assume a 60 and up years old in LTC who is DNR is not worth the time of taking to even be evaluated and sent to the hospital. I know it probably does get old seeing all the passing people come thru who want nothing more than to pass quietly, but some are not passing and DNR or even WHWD should not be a bright red dot saying "I'm dying now let me go"

This is exacty what I'm talking about! There is so much "gray area" as said before, that sometimes I think people are mistaken by what DNR actually means and therefore people are DNR and strictly "DNR" aren't treated as they want every medical treatment until a pulse is lost and they are taken from this world...however...I do agree that some people need to be able to pass peacefully where they are...which is an entirely differen matter of family vs medical ethics.

I do agree, people in the dying process should be given dignity and respect to pass however they should choose wether that be comfort care, full code, dnr, or whwd. My point is, I realize not every pt/family wants these measures. But, I cannot accept "DNR" as a reason to not have an MD physically assess and treat with more resources when this is not what the Pt/Family wants. I realize that some pt/family do not want transfers and hospitilization...but when they do...why is it at someone elses discretion to act as if they are a burden because they are a DNR. ER/LTC/MD/Caregivers all included. We do not treat DNR's as people who want comfort care. Comfort care orders must be in place...maybe this is where some confusion is coming in. I realize not all DNRs should be transfered...those however have Comfort Care only measures in our facility. Everyone is free to their opinion...this is just my take on the difference between what pt/family wants vs what some health care providers take as they don't want anything, and the attitude of DNR...whats the point. When that specific persons DNR does not state comfort only. I think their should be a universal discretion between the two. Obviously this differs widely from state to state. Acctually kind of interesting...but also very scary at the same time.

Better shape...neh. Its inevitable we are all going to die. Maybe not now...maybe not in ten years. Comfortable...yes...maybe exchange and review meds, of course. That to me is what the hospitals job is, to provide care and acute assitance. I was adviced that DNR meant DNR....which I completely understand. No CPR. I just don't see that as a legit excuse to just chock it up to the good Lord to suffocate somone. Which is in essence what would have happened. I just dont understand why other healthcare workers who you collaborate with take offense to DOING their job!! By all means, every person and family has a right to refuse and like it or not we have to abide. I just don't understand the concept of not treating acute cases just because they are DNR. Especially when the said PT isn't relieved by other efforts and options before having a MD evaluate personally. We all know Hosp. have much more access to things than LTC does. Its not right....but thats how it is.

HI!!!! So Im not a newbie, but Im FARRR from being a veteran... Im in LTC, great facility, great nurses. Like all night shifts, we basically avoid calling the MD unless its necessary. However last night...pt was having some resp distess/possible seiz activity with a stoke high bp and low 02's. pt was a "DNR" ER nurse has the gall to ask ((after I spill into report and then state "active DNR")) and just what are you sending the pt over for.... mmmmkkkkay....let me repeat myself LOW 02, HI BP, RESP DISTRESS, and SEIZ ACTIVITY!!!! Of course, I didn't say that. I repeated it all back in a very kind-but-snippity manner and then stated "doctors orders" Do you ever fee like some Doctors/Hospitals/EMTs take DNR to far? I say it like this DNR means EXACTLY that. Its not an excuse to not treat someone wether activily passing or in an acute situation. W/W does not mean not treat. If a pt's family didn't want treatment...they'd say so. Otherwise, its our responsibility as well as everyone involved in their care. Can I get an Amen??? Anyone have any stories/advice related to this?