Question
What should nursing assistants do if they find a patient who is non-responsive or has no heartbeat?
Answer
- They should call the nursing supervisor, 911, or hospice for emergency help, and stay with the patient. This plan should be made in advance as part of the patient plan of care.
- If the POLST says DNAR, nursing assistants should not initiate CPR. They should provide comfort care and wait for assistance to arrive.
- If the POLST says CPR/Attempt Resuscitation, nursing assistants should begin CPR and continue until help arrives.
FAQ Category
Portable Orders for Life Sustaining Treatment
Audience