title: Nurses' beliefs about family presence during resuscitation.
abstract: The purpose of this descriptive qualitative study was to explore the beliefs and experiences of RNs about family presence (FP) during cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Ten RNs with a minimum of 4 years of clinical experience working in diverse acute care units provided data for the study. Data were analyzed using the constant comparative method. Four themes emerged: (a) the conditions under which FP is an option; (b) using FP to force decision making; (c) staff's feelings of "being watched"; and (d) the impact of FP on a family. Because FP is not traditionally practiced, it may not be a consideration unless brought to the attention of administration by nursing staff committed to changing their policy.
authors.affiliation: Emergency Department, Gwinnett Medical Center, Lawrenceville, GA 30078, USA. aknott@bellsouth.net
authors.forename: Allison
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Knott
authors.forename: Carolyn C
authors.initials: CC
authors.lastname: Kee
mesh_terms: D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D016887:Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation; D003657:Decision Making; D005190:Family; D006801:Humans; D009726:Nurses / Q000523:psychology*; D011368:Professional-Family Relations