Advance Directives and Opportunities for Nurses |
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| Authors: | Jeanine L. Johns RN MS ANP CS CNA CCRN |
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| Affiliation: | Epsilon Chi;, is a Professor at Tidewater Community College, Portsmouth, VA. The author gratefully acknowledges the helpful comments of Mary C. Corley, RN, PhD, Associate Professor of Nursing and Elizabeth I. Merwin, RN, PhD, FAAN, Associate Professor of Nursing, both of Virginia Commonwealth University/Medical College of Virginia. |
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| Abstract: | Technical, social, and economic factors are an impetus for expressing end-of-life decisions as advance directives (ADs) including a living will and durable power of attorney. Despite opportunities, nurses do not appear to be widely involved in practice and research regarding ADs. To provide perspectives for nursing participation, the literature was reviewed, and a set of outcomes regarding ADs were identified. The historical background and the ethical issues associated with ADs are examined. Appropriate roles for nurses with respect to ADs are suggested. Research and practice opportunities are identified. The databases reviewed were the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature from 1983 to January 1996, and MEDLINE, from 1985 to January 1996. |
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| Keywords: | advance directives end-of-life decisions death dying |
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