Nurses' attitudes toward family presence during resuscitative efforts and invasive procedures

Nurses in this study found family presence most acceptable when they or their families were the patient. The literature has shown that educational programs regarding family presence can demonstrate a change in nurses' attitudes to include the family during CPR and invasive procedures. Future research should include the introduction of family presence in nursing curriculums to allay prejudices. Precious time and memories may be available to families when the professional and personal concerns are minimized. The ramification of not providing family access is succinctly stated by an RN who was denied access to her husband during his final moments. “I don't know your name, but I will never forget you. You played a part in the most important event in my life. But you didn't share that painful experience with me; you just happened to be present. I want to leave you with this thought. Death is painful for all families. When it's expected, family members usually have time to say goodbye. But when death is unexpected, there's no time for those last intimate moments. I had one opportunity—one moment in time to sit by a stretcher, hold a warm hand, and say goodbye. You stole my moment.”[25]