Reflection On Provider Order Forms

As registered nurse I have reviewed with my patient on Provider Orders For Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST). My patient and his wife were not educated in the medical jargon and English is not their first language. At the time I introduced the provider order form, was during a time that my patient had his first stroke. My patient’s wife initially did not know what to do and looked to me for guidance, especially regarding his code status. We talked and I had asked the question on whether they had discussed what to do in the event that they are placed in this situation. I asked what would her husband wishes would be and what he would want done in this situation? She still was unsure and then elected to maintain his code status to be Full Code. I found
I also find that initial introduction of the provider order form should be appropriate. When introducing the provider order form, I stress the importance to either the patient or even the family members of the options based on the person’s current medical condition and wishes. Especially with caring for many elderly patients with multiple medical issues and/or co-morbidities. Just to educate them on not only provider order forms but also the Advance Health Care Directives. In my experience many of my patients and family members are open to the discussion and going over the provider order form. Some think that the form is in regards to property or living will. Many patients and family members like the idea of options they have in the home settings and being able to express their wishes while they still possess decisional capacity. Once they decide to fill the provider order form, I also inform to the patients that they should also informed their family members of the form and their wishes if their family member is not present, so they can support and respect their decisions and