Explore every episode of the podcast The Real DNR Pod

In this episode we explore the critical role of substitute decision makers (SDMs) in healthcare. We touch on legal frameworks, power of attorney, decision-making hierarchies, and practical advice for choosing the right person to be your SDM. 

This episode will help bring understanding to:

Honouring patient’s wishes

Appointing multiple decision makers
Knowing your rights as a patient or an SDM


If you enjoyed this episode please rate ⭐, review, subscribe and share! We want everyone to be having these conversations and we deeply appreciate your support.

Connect with us:

E-mail us at therealdnrpod@gmail.com

Follow Carly on @aceplanningco

Follow Sandra at @quality_life_planning
Join our community here

Follow us on Instagram

Disclaimer:

The information shared on The Real DNR Podcast is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical, legal, or other professional advice. The views and opinions expressed by the hosts and guests are their own and do not reflect those of any employer, hospital, academic institution, professional body, or affiliated organization. Content discussed on this podcast reflects Ontario and Canadian health-care, legal, and ethical contexts and may not apply in other jurisdictions. Listening to this podcast does not create a professional, therapeutic, nurse-client, physician-patient, lawyer-client, or other professional relationship. This podcast is designed to support thoughtful conversations and help listeners feel more informed and confident when speaking with their health-care team, family, substitute decision-makers, and other qualified professionals. Any stories, anecdotes, or clinical examples shared on this podcast have been adapted and de-identified to protect privacy and maintain patient confidentiality. Always seek advice from appropriately qualified professionals regarding your own health, legal, or personal circumstances.

This episode explores the complex world of Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) orders, their history, misconceptions, and the importance of communication in end-of-life care. Join us as we discuss patient autonomy, family dynamics, medical ethics, end of life care, and how to navigate these sensitive decisions with compassion and clarity.

If you enjoyed this episode please rate ⭐, review, subscribe and share! We want everyone to be having these conversations and we deeply appreciate your support.

List of terms:

DNR = Do Not Resuscitate

DNR-C = Do Not Resuscitate Confirmation Form

AND = Allow Natural Death

Resuscitation = “the act or an instance of reviving someone from apparent death or from unconsciousness” (Merriam Webster Dictionary, 2026)

Code status = “Code status describes the type of life-saving actions you would want a healthcare team to take if your heart stopped beating or you stopped breathing while they were present” - Ontario Renal Network Code Status Conversations

Code = Often identified as “Code Blue” 

ICU = Intensive Care Unit

ED = Emergency Department

Connect with us:

E-mail us at therealdnrpod@gmail.com

Follow Carly on @aceplanningco

Follow Sandra at @quality_life_planning
Join our community here

Follow us on Instagram

Disclaimer:

The information shared on The Real DNR Podcast is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical, legal, or other professional advice. The views and opinions expressed by the hosts and guests are their own and do not reflect those of any employer, hospital, academic institution, professional body, or affiliated organization. Content discussed on this podcast reflects Ontario and Canadian health-care, legal, and ethical contexts and may not apply in other jurisdictions. Listening to this podcast does not create a professional, therapeutic, nurse-client, physician-patient, lawyer-client, or other professional relationship. This podcast is designed to support thoughtful conversations and help listeners feel more informed and confident when speaking with their health-care team, family, substitute decision-makers, and other qualified professionals. Any stories, anecdotes, or clinical examples shared on this podcast have been adapted and de-identified to protect privacy and maintain patient confidentiality. Always seek advice from appropriately qualified professionals regarding your own health, legal, or personal circumstances.

Welcome to the very first episode of The Real DNR Podcast - a science-backed, candid roundtable hosted by a healthcare ethicist, an ICU physician, and a registered nurse.

In this inaugural episode we introduce ourselves, share how this podcast came to be, and dive into a meaningful discussion on advance care planning, end-of-life decision-making, and supporting families through some of their most challenging moments. We draw from our professional experience as well as personal stories, with the aim of creating a space that empowers listeners with knowledge, clarity, and compassion as they navigate complex healthcare choices.

We discuss the importance of:

●      Starting conversations about end-of-life wishes early.

●      Consulting with healthcare professionals about advance directives.

●      Planning for caregiving transitions before crises occur.

If you enjoyed this episode please rate ⭐, review, subscribe and share! We want everyone to be having these conversations and we deeply appreciate your support.

Connect with us:
E-mail us at therealdnrpod@gmail.com

Follow Carly on @aceplanningco

Follow Sandra at @quality_life_planning
Join our community here

Follow us on Instagram

Disclaimer:

The information shared on The Real DNR Podcast is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical, legal, or other professional advice. The views and opinions expressed by the hosts and guests are their own and do not reflect those of any employer, hospital, academic institution, professional body, or affiliated organization. Content discussed on this podcast reflects Ontario and Canadian health-care, legal, and ethical contexts and may not apply in other jurisdictions. Listening to this podcast does not create a professional, therapeutic, nurse-client, physician-patient, lawyer-client, or other professional relationship. This podcast is designed to support thoughtful conversations and help listeners feel more informed and confident when speaking with their health-care team, family, substitute decision-makers, and other qualified professionals. Any stories, anecdotes, or clinical examples shared on this podcast have been adapted and de-identified to protect privacy and maintain patient confidentiality. Always seek advice from appropriately qualified professionals regarding your own health, legal, or personal circumstances.

Welcome to The Real DNR!


Connect with us:
E-mail us at therealdnrpod@gmail.com

Follow Carly on @aceplanningco

Follow Sandra at @quality_life_planning
Join our community here

Follow us on Instagram

Disclaimer:

The information shared on The Real DNR Podcast is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical, legal, or other professional advice. The views and opinions expressed by the hosts and guests are their own and do not reflect those of any employer, hospital, academic institution, professional body, or affiliated organization. Content discussed on this podcast reflects Ontario and Canadian health-care, legal, and ethical contexts and may not apply in other jurisdictions. Listening to this podcast does not create a professional, therapeutic, nurse-client, physician-patient, lawyer-client, or other professional relationship. This podcast is designed to support thoughtful conversations and help listeners feel more informed and confident when speaking with their health-care team, family, substitute decision-makers, and other qualified professionals. Any stories, anecdotes, or clinical examples shared on this podcast have been adapted and de-identified to protect privacy and maintain patient confidentiality. Always seek advice from appropriately qualified professionals regarding your own health, legal, or personal circumstances.