Developing Do Not Resuscitate policies

It is clear that nurse administrators must take a leadership role in developing a DNR policy. The establishment of written DNR policies are necessary, not only to meet Joint Commission Standards, but also to improve communication, reduce ethical dilemmas, legally clarify patient status, and maintain consistent quality of care. Although a DNR policy cannot address and anticipate all problems, the interdisciplinary process used to develop DNR policies can provide the health care team with a base on which to build the policies, guidelines, and support mechanisms needed to deal with future ethical issues.