Bass M (2003) Oncology nurses perceptions of their role in resuscitation decisions.(Author Abstract)

Cancer Nursing Practice, October, 2003 by Smyth, Dion

Professional Nurse. 18,12, 710-713

Although qualified nurses may state they have a role acting as the patient's advocate in resuscitation decisions, many feel unable to initiate such decisions with patients and carers and defer to doctors' decision making, according to a recent small scale study.

Using a phenomenological approach, semi-structured questionnaires were given to a random sample of 30 trained nurses working in an acute oncology and haematology unit. The study examined nurses' knowledge of resuscitation and their perceptions of their roles and responsibilities in resuscitation status decision-making.

The patients' perception of their own quality of life was identified as an important consideration for most respondents, while...

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