mep726

As I said above that is what I was leaning towards as well but then I started doing research and found that in some cases that a DNR is yes exempt when it comes to the OR but then I have found some hospitals say a DNR is a DNR. I know what a DNR means, I am just answering the question as was put in the case study. I appreciate any and all of your input. We have had instances in my hospital where family has revoked the patients DNR; though I do not agree with this.

Yes, I understand this. That wasn't my question though. Its a case study and I have to tell why I would not honor the DNR order that is in place and if I do honor it then explain why and the legal and ethical justifications as to why.

My thing is how are we to determine if he was of sound mind two days prior...yes I know his wife died a week ago but how am I to judge that being an OR nurse?

I have a question. I have a case study that I am struggling with. I have a patient who attempted to commit suicide by a self inflicted gunshot wound. His wife died a week prior and he left a suicide note stating he was too heartbroken to go on. He is non responsive, right pupil fixed and dilated. Very large extended family show up. A neurosurgeon was consulted and he says prognosis is not good even with surgery, however, family still wishes for the surgery to be done anyways. Once the patient is prepped and in the OR they receive a call that the patient signed a DNR order 2 days ago. AS the OR nurse what are your legal and ethical issues now? Do you honor the DNR or the family's wishes? I have to explain what my legal and ethical issues are which originally I was leaning towards if there is a DNR order present then you honor that despite the circumstances because the man had to be found in his right state of mind when he signed, right? And if the patient needs surgery does that exemplify the DNR order? I have researches where some say yes and others say no.

Thanks for the response. I know the grass isn't always greener on the other side which is what I am keeping in mind. However, the turnover rate is high; we are always short staffed and the patients are always complaining. Were lucky if we have a CNA at all and if we have one that is one to 39 patients. The negativity is the worse thing; seems like all the good nurses have left. AS for Florida, that is where we were going to retire once my husband was done with the military. Im trying to buy my time till I reach a year of experience before pursuing anything further but I am not sure I can make it to a year. I am even considering applying at nursing homes in the area but I don't want to lose my skills from the hospital.

I just graduated from school in May and was hired immediately out of school as an RN. I am a wife and a mother of 4 kids and worked my butt off all through nursing school. I couldn't wait to finally be a nurse. However, I am discouraged because it has been 6 months and I work in a very negative environment. I don't like the location in which we live either and so I have been recently doing some research and I am considering being a travel nurse. I have student loans that need to be repayed and kids that are getting older so the money would be nice. I am not afraid to travel at all. My husband and I are looking into relocating to Florida since we go there about 3 times a year. Anyone know of a good travel company for new nurses that has great benefits? Also, anyone who lives in the florida area have any advice on where to stay away from? Please help...need a change fast!