title: Durable power of attorney: nursing implications.
abstract: Written, witnessed advance directives such as Durable Powers of Attorney and Living Wills communicate patients' care preferences. The critical care nurse must be knowledgeable about these legal documents to be able to effectively uphold the specific care requests. The authors define advance directives and outline the role of the nurse in execution of these directives.
authors.forename: K A
authors.initials: KA
authors.lastname: Singleton
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Dever
authors.forename: T A
authors.initials: TA
authors.lastname: Donner
mesh_terms: D016223:Advance Directives; D003422:Critical Care; D004282:Documentation; D006801:Humans; D007872:Legal Guardians; D016224:Living Wills; D009726:Nurses; D026684:Personal Autonomy; D012380:Role