K so I talked to the hospice nurse and she said the reason she took the oxygen off of him was to "help him pass faster". I had to really control myself to keep from slapping her. GRRRRRR.

Physician asissted passing is a gentle way of dying.  There are criteria for the physicians to follow.  The hospice staff are specially trained for this.  Taking O2 off does in itself entail suicide.  There are many factors that may have led up to this incident.  I am not familiar with the incident that you are speaking of.  The press has a way of leaving out specific details in order to sensationalize the story. 

This is a decision that a family, the patient and the doctor make and should be free to make as long as it is a medical sound decision that will only relieve the suffering of an impending death.

Only my opinion.

So the only two states that are doing this is Oregon and Washington. Doesnt Washington have the highest suicide rate in the country? I was stationed there a short period of time but it was very ddepressing. I don't think this has anything to do with the new laws but why are these states the only ones participating and others not following if it is a good idea?

JUDLEERN says ...

dmazment says ...

I voted for this, since I live in Washington.  There are strict parameters that must be followed.  I wanted it for myself, in case I was ever in the position to need it.  I do not want to be kept alive by artificial means and want to die with dignity. 

Is this not what YOU would do???

I know that this is a touchy subject, but here I go with my opinion on this. First and foremost no machine can keep a person alive! If that were possible, we would never have to console a parent, and instead could prevent the death of a child.  All a ventilator does is breathe for people who are too sick to breathe for themselves! Vasopressors only work if it is meant to be, so NO, this is NOT what I would do!

I had a very close family member with terminal cancer. She begged me to list her as "No Code" and we talked about this. I promised her no chest compressions, no defibrillation, no forced feedings, and also promised nasal oxygen, IV fluid hydration and a morphine drip.  I kept my promise and she died pain free and with dignity, but if I thought I could have kept her here with me with a ventilator, I would have pressed the button!  Knowing that a ventilator would not prevent her death, I had to let go. 

Ventilators, IVs and Vasopressors are often used on brain dead persons for the purpose of organ donation. They are simply preserving the perfusion of the organs until they can be harvested. It is fully explained to the family that the person is gone and not being kept alive with heroics.  Sorry for such a long post!

 

I am not sure if any statement I make here holds any weight seeing as how I am not a Nurse yet...but I am going to give my opinion here anyway.

I think Doctor assisted suicide should be legalized but held under constant and vigilant scrutiny, since, as we all know, these types of things can and would get out of hand very quickly if attention were to lapse. 

I, myself, would not let myself be bed ridden for a prolonged (or permanent) period of time. I, quite frankly would rather die than do that. And by all means I plan on going out while having a blast. But that's just my opinion on that.

I don't know, I have read through the posts and I have seen situations (as the rest of you have) in which I believe that the PT should just be put out of their misery. But I also realize that making a decision like that isn't in my power as of the moment and also the patient would need to consent to the option.

Watching someone writhing in agony for weeks on end is one of the few things I have a problem with in the Medical world. But right now the only thing I will be able to is numb their body and mind so that they rot without knowing it.

And no, I don't know if any other states are implementing the subject of this thread.

Exactly what I meant...except in fewer words...more succinct haha.

Anyone remember that Terry Shiavo case (don't know if I got her last name right 0.0 )? Well after the was all wrapped up, even though I think the guy, in all probability, did something to her. Apparently she was pretty much just starved to death. Now in my eyes, that is infinitely more cruel than a quiet OD or something along those lines.

What do you think? Does anyone even remember this case or am I just being archaic?