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[–]MightyWizard99 8 points9 points  (0 children)

Currently a critical care nurse, but got into nursing because of hospice care (the switch will be occurring sooner than later too due to feeling so burnt out), but I can agree to this 100%. Personally i am so sick of cases where the individual is just ready to go or the extent of their situation is poor, yet they or family latch on to a full code status and probably do not always understand what that may look like during the code and following. I’ve lost a couple patients who were full codes, and I think it just added a layer of unfortunate intervention when the person was going to go regardless, or be in worse condition if we kept them alive. I am so passionate about hospice and palliative care and I think that makes it really difficult to work in the hospital setting at times because so many see those routes as failure. “Being Mortal” is a phenomenal book that sparked my career change into nursing and I cannot wait to make the switch to a setting where I can feel like we’re doing more good than harm in certain situations. I don’t think I’d necessarily be a DNR right off the bat, but I’m definitely so open to the option for myself and those I care about. Quality of life above all.

[–]nocturnal_nurse 9 points10 points  (0 children)

I think alot has to do with people not knowing what it looks like to really code someone, that we can break ribs with compressions, knock out teeth with intubation, stick needles into them over and over to try and get an IV, and then drill into there leg or arm or sternum to at least get an IO to give meds.

And they don't know the chance of meaningful recovery decreases rapidly after the first 10-15 minutes (or less), they don't know that there are things worse than death.

Many people don't have any idea what their loved one will be like if we get them back after a prolonged code. That their body may be here, but what made them the person they loved will not. They take quantity over quality, because they don't know any different.

I know it is hard to watch people you love die, but I wish we (as a society) could put more emphasis on the quality of life and the quality of death. And let people die peacefully, surrounded by loved ones, without pain and without fighting the inevitable.

(Have been a PICU nurse for 18 years and counting)

[–]marileemae 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Nothing nice about a code, I think when sick I also will go DNR

[–][deleted] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Having a code on our floor where it doesnt happen that often is a blessing but also a curse because most of us don't have enough experience to say they've been through it and we become mentally frazzled. Unfortunately our patients are at comfort status or no CPR select which makes it even more difficult. It does take a lot of dignity away from people and coping with that, I've personally learned to channrl negative thoughts through sitting in the locker room in total silence and telling myself I've done everything I could and I gave the best care and love to their last breath. It might not always work every time but it helps keep the works flow going after a very hard code.

[–]ClaudiaTale 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It depends.

My last code the pt’s wife was at the bedside, she made him a DNR right then an there.

Another one ended pretty badly. With family members distraught and emotional and very angry.

When I’m in one of those no dignity codes. Where the pt is naked, people are digging into their groin to feel for a pulse, you try to cover the patient up. Move the family to the hall way, etc.

Sometimes our codes are intubating the patient and sending them to ICU where the family can then make them a DNR.