What is a do not resuscitate order?
A do not resuscitate (DNR) order is another kind of advance directive. A DNR is a request not to have cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) if your heart stops or if you stop breathing. (Unless given other instructions, hospital staff will try to help all patients whose heart has stopped or who have stopped breathing.) You can use an advance directive form or tell your doctor that you don’t want to be resuscitated. In this case, a DNR order is put in your medical chart by your doctor. DNR orders are accepted by doctors and hospitals in all states.
Do Not Resuscitate, or DNR, is an order written by a doctor telling the health care team taking care of you that CPR is not to be used if your heart or breathing suddenly stops. Advance directives often include instructions not to start CPR, but this may be difficult to honor in emergencies when no one is aware that you have an advance directive. Any time you are admitted to any hospital or facility, be sure that your doctor and nurses know if you do not want CPR.
