Today I felt like a real nurse!

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Specializes in Critical Care, Home Health.

What happened:

My pt is a DNR, but with his declining health the family was trying to get it changed (he's A&OX3). The md was in with pt and family, he had his backed turned to the pt and talking to wife and daughter. The were really pushing him to write a full code order immediately. I saw the look on the pt face (and we had spoken of his DNR wishes previously). Well the dr was about to give in. Here was my chance to be an advocate! As a new grad, it's not easy standing up to the md and 2 family members!! I interrupted the conversation, turned to the pt and said "what do YOU want". His hesitation and uncertainty was enough to make the doc totally back track, and high tail it out there with his final advice to call the primary :). This opened up the dicussion for the family and everybody's feelings came out, and after many tears they decided to keep the DNR. My pt couldn't have been happier and more relieved. He felt he has had a full life and is ready. It wasn't an easy day, but I came home feeling I had did a good job! Even though I'm still bad at time management!:p

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Specializes in Education, FP, LNC, Forensics, ED, OB.
What happened:

My pt is a DNR, but with his declining health the family was trying to get it changed (he's A&OX3). The md was in with pt and family, he had his backed turned to the pt and talking to wife and daughter. The were really pushing him to write a full code order immediately. I saw the look on the pt face (and we had spoken of his DNR wishes previously). Well the dr was about to give in. Here was my chance to be an advocate! As a new grad, it's not easy standing up to the md and 2 family members!! I interrupted the conversation, turned to the pt and said "what do YOU want". His hesitation and uncertainty was enough to make the doc totally back track, and high tail it out there with his final advice to call the primary :). This opened up the dicussion for the family and everybody's feelings came out, and after many tears they decided to keep the DNR. My pt couldn't have been happier and more relieved. He felt he has had a full life and is ready. It wasn't an easy day, but I came home feeling I had did a good job! Even though I'm still bad at time management!:p

You have made it. You are certainly an advocate for those without a voice. What you did took an enourmous amount of courage with the M.D. discussing the issue in the room.

Kudos to you, real nurse, kudos.

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Specializes in Cardiac Care.

Good for you, advocating for your patient that way!!!

I think instances like that, when you can really make a difference for somebody, are the reason I'm pursuing my education in nursing. It is so heartening to hear stories like this, and I know my decision to become a nurse is the right one for me. Congratulations, and thank you for all that you do.

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What happened:

My pt is a DNR, but with his declining health the family was trying to get it changed (he's A&OX3). The md was in with pt and family, he had his backed turned to the pt and talking to wife and daughter. The were really pushing him to write a full code order immediately. I saw the look on the pt face (and we had spoken of his DNR wishes previously). Well the dr was about to give in. Here was my chance to be an advocate! As a new grad, it's not easy standing up to the md and 2 family members!! I interrupted the conversation, turned to the pt and said "what do YOU want". His hesitation and uncertainty was enough to make the doc totally back track, and high tail it out there with his final advice to call the primary :). This opened up the dicussion for the family and everybody's feelings came out, and after many tears they decided to keep the DNR. My pt couldn't have been happier and more relieved. He felt he has had a full life and is ready. It wasn't an easy day, but I came home feeling I had did a good job! Even though I'm still bad at time management!:p

Wow-Hurray for you! I can not imagine how hard it was to do that-to be out numbered and out-"authoritied"-you made a difference! Time management will come, but you did something that you will always remember-because you ARE a REAL NURSE!! :kiss

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Specializes in Med/Surge.

Way to go helpinghands. How lucky your pt is to have you for a nurse!! It's great to see that all the education is paying off isn't it? You will get better at time management with time, at least that's what I keep on telling myself.

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Specializes in pedi, pedi psych,dd, school ,home health.

Yor quote"The md was in with pt and family, he had his backed turned to the pt and talking to wife and daughter"

Good for you that you recognized that the MD and family were discussing the pts wishes without including him!!!! that is a skill many "seasoned " nurses dont get!! Congratulations for being a great patient advocate!!!!:flowersfo :bow: :w00t: :yeah:

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Specializes in Med-Surg.

YOU ROCK!!!!

That's what it's all about! Awesome! :)

Isn't it interesting that in helping others, we gain so much ourselves?

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Wow!

It was wonderful that the patient had you to stand up for him.

You inspired me, a-soon-to-be nurse!

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Specializes in Hemodialysis, Home Health.

BRAVO !!!!!

Thank you for advocating for this patient.. for being sensitive enough to notice, bighearted enough to care, and bold enough to intervene.

GOOD FOR YOU ! :balloons: :) :balloons:

Wonderful job, Real Nurse ! (((HUGS)))

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