Widow's tattoo states dying wish

[nurseinstructor]

http://www.cnn.com/2003/WORLD/europe/03/06/offbeat.widow.tattoo.reut/index.html

LONDON, England (Reuters) -- An 85 year-old widow is so determined not to be resuscitated against her will by doctors that she has tattooed the words "Do Not Resuscitate" across her chest.

Frances Polack, a former nurse, said she paid 25 pounds ($40) for a tattoo with the instruction and a heart with a 'no-go' sign in red and blue to ensure medical staff knew she did not want to be revived.

"Years ago when I was nursing I could see they resuscitated so many people they shouldn't have," Polack told the Nursing Standard magazine.

"I don't want to die twice. By resuscitating me, they would be bringing me back from the dead only for me to have to go through it again," Polack said.

The white-haired pensioner who lives in the New Forest in the south of England said she visited a local tattooist with a friend. "I don't know if I want to start a fashion, but I hope I will start a debate," she said.

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Copyright 2003 Reuters

[nowplayingEDRN]

It is funny that years and years ago, we all joked on night shift about getting DNR tattooed on our bods somewhere and some 85 yr old Granny had the guts to actually do it!

And it is not just the well meaning family that foul up the advanced directive papers...sometimes it is not clearly documented on a chart. I was involved with that once...fortunate for me the patient was greatful that my CNA cam and told me that she was extremely bradicardic and that I administered atropine to brought her back. Her cardiologist was not so understanding and read me the riot act for giving the atropine. When we explained why the advanced directive was not honoured he then went after the ward clerk....however the woman went on to change her stance on her advanced directive and recinded it, which made the cardiologist mad....makes me wonder if she was pressured into signing a DNR that she did not want.

Christie

[Teshiee]

I guess wearing a DNR bracelet wouldn't make a difference? If it was only issued to those who have written documentation? Just a thought since I feel you have a right to choose your outcome.

[Jvilleredhead]

I wonder if she could get a notary seal tattooed on there as well to make it legal??? :)

[babynurselsa, RN]

Well it may not be a legal document, but I don't think anyone is going to accidentally have DNR tatted on their chest. Yes, they should have the legal documents all in place, but at least that is a little heads up if you don't have your papers with you, or in the case of DH's Grand dad, they get misplaced on the chart, and they forget to armband him, and they forget to put the sticker on the front of the chart.....

[Furball]

I seriously thought about getting a tattoo on my belly stating "Don't forget to donate my organs"

It sure would make the job of asking my family a lot easier eh?

[Karina212]

Speaking of tatoos...does anyone know anything about tatoo removal. I hate mine!

[mother/babyRN, RN]

Gosh, what if she changed her mind???? Actually, it was a good idea for her to do that....Would anyone honor that should she arrive with someone who either didn't agree, didn't know, or didn't have the accompanying paperwork? And how does HIPPA figure in here????lol