DNR (Do Not Resuscitate)
DNR, or Do Not Resuscitate, is an important medical order that appears in healthcare settings, particularly in elderly care and nursing homes. It's a legal document that states a patient does not want emergency lifesaving measures if their heart stops or they stop breathing. For caregivers and healthcare workers, understanding and properly following DNR orders is a crucial part of providing respectful end-of-life care. This term might also appear as "DNAR" (Do Not Attempt Resuscitation) or "AND" (Allow Natural Death) in some healthcare settings. When reviewing resumes for healthcare positions, seeing experience with DNR protocols indicates the candidate understands sensitive end-of-life care procedures.
Examples in Resumes
Managed patient care plans including DNR order compliance and documentation
Trained new staff on proper DNR and Do Not Resuscitate protocol procedures
Coordinated with families and medical staff regarding DNAR and end-of-life care decisions
Typical job title: "Healthcare Workers"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Healthcare Workers
Professional Organizations
Job Boards
Online Communities
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How would you handle a situation where there's confusion among staff about a patient's DNR status?
Expected Answer: A senior healthcare worker should explain the importance of clear communication protocols, proper documentation checks, staff training, and establishing a system to ensure DNR orders are prominently displayed and regularly verified. They should also mention the importance of involving supervisors and medical directors when needed.
Q: How do you train new staff members about DNR policies and procedures?
Expected Answer: Should discuss creating clear training materials, using real-world examples, emphasizing documentation importance, regular policy reviews, and implementing verification systems to ensure all staff understand and follow DNR protocols correctly.
Mid Level Questions
Q: What steps do you take when admitting a patient with a DNR order?
Expected Answer: Should describe the process of verifying the DNR documentation, properly recording it in the patient's chart, ensuring all team members are aware, and placing appropriate indicators in the patient's room or file.
Q: How do you explain DNR orders to family members who have questions?
Expected Answer: Should demonstrate ability to communicate sensitively, explain in clear terms, know when to refer to medical staff or supervisors, and show understanding of the emotional aspects of these discussions.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What does DNR mean and where would you find this information for a patient?
Expected Answer: Should be able to explain that DNR means Do Not Resuscitate and know that this information is found in patient charts, care plans, and often indicated by special markers in rooms or on charts.
Q: What would you do if you found a patient with a DNR order unresponsive?
Expected Answer: Should know to check vital signs, call for medical staff assistance, and follow facility protocols while respecting the DNR order. Should understand the difference between emergency care and comfort measures.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-1 years)
- Basic understanding of DNR orders
- Ability to locate and verify DNR status
- Knowledge of facility emergency protocols
- Basic patient care documentation
Mid (2-4 years)
- Detailed understanding of end-of-life care
- Experience handling DNR situations
- Family communication skills
- Training newer staff on protocols
Senior (5+ years)
- Policy development and implementation
- Staff training and supervision
- Complex case management
- Crisis situation handling
Red Flags to Watch For
- Unfamiliarity with basic DNR protocols
- Poor documentation practices
- Lack of experience with end-of-life care
- Uncomfortable discussing sensitive topics with families
- No knowledge of emergency procedures
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