Why Many nurses are No-Codes

[BackfromRetirement]

There is a 50-something resident whom was brought back with CPR. Brain damage from anoxia was significant. Tube feeder, total care-bedridden, trach hole that would not close. On an LTC hall with 42 residents and one Lpn and one CNA on nights, the suctioning is almost constant. The stress on the nurse to pass out 2 1/2 hours of 6 AM meds (most are on narcs of one kind or another) and the CNA who is expected to get some residents dressed and up in a chair is mind-boggling. I doubt it if this resident is happy with the care he gets. Although he is a DNR every effort must be made in the meantime. Carrying around that kind of guilt while the slow process of hiring another CNA who will actually not call in once a week is crazy. LTC workers do the best they can with what they have. Yet, conditions such as these, show the writing on the wall to the caregivers. some of us would rather be gone to the here-after.

[sharkdiver]

I will also tatoo DNR on my chest! I have shown my love for my family twice already. My dear mother lived with me until she passed away...quietly and in her own bed. Ditto my sweet husband, whom I just lost two months ago after a long battle with cancer. I cared for him here in our own home, because that was what he wanted. And I let him go as he wished.....NO tubes, needles or machines. Was it easy? God, no! But I can think of no greater love than this.....

My condolences for your loss, but what greater gift could you give than to help him spend his last moments in the comfort of his own home with those he loved the most.

Unfortunately, tattooing "DNR" on your chest isn't legally binding, although it may at least make people stop and think. I have both an advanced directive and a POLST.

[designer RN EMT]

My condolences for your loss, but what greater gift could you give than to help him spend his last moments in the comfort of his own home with those he loved the most.

Unfortunately, tattooing "DNR" on your chest isn't legally binding, although it may at least make people stop and think. I have both an advanced directive and a POLST.

I agree! It was my last best gift to the ones I love. My husband and I exchanged I love you's as our last words to one another. How could a final memory be any better?

I, too, have an AD and a POLST on file with my attorney, my son, my physician and the local hospital. I also keep one with me when I travel. Overkill? I don't think so. I prefer to think of it as being proactive.....

[beachmom]

My father-in-law was 68 and in the ER for chest pain when he coded. They defibrillated him twice and got him back. He ended up with his second CABG, so had a few miserable months. That was 20 years ago. He still lives in his own home and travels to Arizona every winter. I'm glad he wasn't a DNR.

[CapeCodMermaid, RN]

Wonderful for your father in law, but for every success story there are 20 not so successful ones.

Most of my friends who are nurses are no codes and we're all still rather young. I worked in one place and we all knew each other's code status. I would say this: If the icky old doctor is in the building, then I am a no code. But if the adorable, blond, 6'2" doctor is around, he can do rescue breathing for hours!

All kidding aside, it's a personal decision. As caregivers we need to honor our patients' wishes whether we agree with them or not.

[SuesquatchRN, BSN, RN]

As caregivers we need to honor our patients' wishes whether we agree with them or not.

I have no problem with that. My current ethical dilemma has to do with family members prolonging suffering against the desires of the residents, as stated, because of their own issues.

[CapeCodMermaid, RN]

For sure. The whole idea of a health care proxy is to speak for the resident when they can no longer speak for themselves. The health care proxy is supposed to do what the RESIDENT would want....not what they would want.