Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by John on March 3, 2009 at 10:15pm

In Ohio if it is a signed DNR by the Doctor and the patient Nope. Now if the patient asks when they are starting to go out then yes you can, but thats Ohio not sure about NC.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Brian Overbey on March 3, 2009 at 11:22pm

NO....if the DNR is in date and signed by a doctor it does not matter what the family says....do not start cpr and have one of your crew members contact your medical director and ask them what you should do

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Jackie on March 4, 2009 at 12:18am

Negative. If the DNR says no its a no . I agree with Brian. Now there might be a special DNR that gives the right of a specific family (which must be stated, and signed by two Doctors with a valid date on a original document) member to call the shots then follow it, But always call your Medical director if you have any questions.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Adam Box on March 4, 2009 at 1:08am

I think in NJ the only people who can rescind the DNR at any time are 1. The Patient 2. The Doctor 3. The Guardian if this family member happens to be the guardian/caretaker of this person (and their name in on the DNR order) they can tell you to disregard the DNR. (you'd just better be sure it's the right person)

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by T.J. on March 4, 2009 at 7:56am

Right on, always ask you M.D.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Beverly on March 4, 2009 at 9:00am

I am not sure about NC laws, but this is what I was taught:
If the DNR is signed, within date (most are good for 6 months) and PRESENT (you have to see it) then it is in effect regardless of the wishes of anyone present. The pt does have the right to revoke the DNR but they need to be conscious to do so and most of the time the family calls after the pt is no longer able to express their wishes. When in doubt contact the MD or medical control at the hospital, explain the situation and allow them to make the call.

The whole reason behind a DNR is because the pt wishes to die without the trauma of resuscitation, they wish to pass as peacefully as possible and usually at home with family present. Unfortunately, most family members panic when the pt is on the verge of dying or has just died. They do not know what to do with the deceased or how to cope with the bluntness of death or they are just afraid, afraid of death, afraid of loss, afraid of being alone with a dead body. What we need is more education and acceptance of death and dying, it was not more than 100 years ago that people routinely died at home, were waked at home and then buried. Death was more accepted as a part of life and dealt with as a fact .
For any of you out there in the situation where you have a family member who is sick or older please talk to them about what they want, make sure they have a Health Care Proxy...not to be confused with a DNR...a HCP states what kind of treatment they would like if they become sick and are unable to verbalize what kind of treatment or care they want. It also appoints someone else to make those decisions for them if they are unable to do so. You DO NOT have to be sick or older to have one....I made sure everyone in my family, myself included has one.
Traditionally you cannot get a DNR order unless you are terminally ill, but a HCP can be implemented by anyone as long as you fill one out while you are still able to make decisions. Go to your state's dept of health website and you should be able to download the HCP form, it takes just a few minutes to fill out.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Oldman on March 4, 2009 at 9:42am

In Texas, a DNR CAN be rescinded by either destroying to form, or by a member of the immediate family stating so. As others have said, Check with medical direction.

• ▶ Reply

▶ Reply to Discussion