I copied this from a thread over on the cat side. It got me thinking.

Quote Originally Posted by Lizzie View Post
Human euthanasia has been practiced for a very long time. Certainly it was done while I was nursing in the sixties, though never in the open. I know my ex-husband, an emergency room physician, believes in it because he has seen intense suffering first hand. Those who don't believe in it don't need to participate and the checks people have to go through in order to receive help in those states where medically assisted suicide is legal (and I'm proud to be in one of those states) are very rigorous. It's set up so people can change their minds at any stage, and a few have, but most are very ready for the help.
When I first started my nursing career we used to do "slow codes". This was before people were encouraged to discuss with their physician and make an advance directive. It was never written in the chart but quietly passed along during change of shift reports. Fortunately, I never had to carry one out and with the arrival of advance directive guidelines, I think the practice has pretty much gone away.

I'm one of those who won't be participating because I don't believe in it, but I think Lizzie's description "intense suffering" is a good way to put it. I've seen some of that in my career. As a nurse I will do everything in my power to keep a patient free from pain or other symptoms, but I feel like it is not up to me to help someone end their life. However, I do think there are enough practitioners who don't share my view, that patients who wish to pursue it will be able to find help. I've seen some heartbreaking situations and as a nurse you just do the best you can for the patient and family and maybe a little more.


Thanks for letting me share,
elyse