Thoughts? Nurse in independent living facility refused to perform CPR

Published

I realize I am not a nurse yet and don't know if I'm allowed to post in this section, but I wanted to get your thoughts on this story:

To perform CPR or not? Woman's death raises questions - CNN.com

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Medical-Surgical/Float Pool/Stepdown.

Unless the nurse was 100% positive that this person was a DNR, IMHO the nurse was absolutely negligent and should be charged and prosecuted as such. I don't know what difference her hired title makes as she is still a nurse and never should have taken a job knowing that if something like this were to happen that the company's stance of "no care" provided was an expectation. If I knew how to give CPR and there came a time someone needed it, I would perform CPR regardless if I was working as a nurse or a grocery store clerk! It already sounds like the company is back peddling on the intentional "no care" restrictions as it is...too bad someone's life was lost for the true colors to show!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Maternal - Child Health.

Please ask a mod to help you search the archives. This topic was hotly debated at the time it happened. There are considerations that you may not be aware of.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Critical Care.

It was discussed a while back in this thread:

Nurse Refused to Give CPR

I don't think that should stop you from discussing it now with whomever is interested. It's an interesting situation and could be very helpful to think through as a future nurse and process your own views in these kinds of situations.

Plus, your article is actually a new take on the previous discussion.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Vents, Telemetry, Home Care, Home infusion.

Legal aspects:

[h=3]CPR refusal highlights risk of overly strict policies [/h]

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion