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Australian nurses' experiences and attitudes in the “do not resuscitate” decision
Author(s) -
Manias Elizabeth
Publication year - 1998
Publication title -
research in nursing and health
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.836
H-Index - 85
eISSN - 1098-240X
pISSN - 0160-6891
DOI - 10.1002/(sici)1098-240x(199810)21:5<429::aid-nur6>3.0.co;2-p
Subject(s) - do not resuscitate , resuscitation orders , medicine , nursing , psychology , family medicine , emergency medicine , cardiopulmonary resuscitation , resuscitation
The effects of Australian nurses' ( n = 285) awareness of a “Do Not Resuscitate” (DNR) policy and various practice settings on the DNR decision were examined. A questionnaire, developed by the investigator, was used to gauge nurses' experiences and attitudes in DNR practice. Decision making was not significantly affected by nurses' awareness of a DNR policy in hospitals where a policy was present. Although nurses believed that the patient, next‐of‐kin, and nurse should play a predominant role in the DNR decision, medical staff were usually responsible for the decision. Various strategies are suggested as to how nurses could make a greater impact on the DNR decision. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Res Nurs Health 21: 429–441, 1998