Australian nurses' experiences and attitudes in the "Do Not Resuscitate" decision.
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.
Manias
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Faculty of Biomedical and Health Sciences and Nursing, RMIT University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia.
D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D001364:Awareness; D002983:Clinical Competence; D003657:Decision Making; D005190:Family / Q000523:psychology; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D016743:Mental Competency; D009741:Nursing Staff, Hospital / Q000193:education / Q000523:psychology*; D010344:Patient Advocacy; D019555:Physician-Nurse Relations; D016414:Resuscitation Orders / Q000523:psychology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014739:Victoria