The Coronavirus and the DNR Ethical Dilemma (Video)

Hospitals across the country—and the world—are facing an ethical question when faced with this pandemic and a shortage of ventilators and PPE: Who lives and who dies?

I also discuss how some medical facilities conduct temperature checks on visitors and employees and how the Governor of Florida is ordering all residents fleeing New York to Florida to self-quarantine for 14 days. Let’s see how this turns out. 

Living Will, Power of Attorney and DNR Paperwork. Where do I Put It? (Video)

If a patient has a Living Will, Power of Attorney paperwork, or a DNR (Do Not Resuscitate) form, where do you, as a Unit Secretary, put it?

Watch the above video to find out.

Do Not Resuscitate and the Health Unit Coordinator (Video)

Did you hear about this story? The story was initially published in The New England Journal of Medicine. 

A man was rushed to the University of Miami with a Do Not Resuscitate tattoo on his upper body. 

The doctors in the Emergency Room were then faced with an ethical dilemma. Do we honor this man's request or do we do everything in our power to save his life? 

They called in an ethical consultant, who, after reviewing the case, told them to honor the man's wishes. Eventually, a written DNR was discovered, and the man's wishes were honored. 

Thankfully, you and I, as Health Unit Coordinators, don't have to worry about making these types of decisions. All we're responsible for is making sure that a DNR form, Living Will, or Advanced Directive is available on the front of the chart. We're also responsible for making sure that a DNR is flagged on the outside of the chart so that all medical personnel involved in the case are aware.