The Relationship Between Death and Do Not Resuscitation Attitudes Among Intensive Care Nurses

Abstract

This study aimed to determine the relationship between death and DNR attitudes among ICNs. This descriptive-analytical study was performed on 156 ICNs in 2018. All nurses were enrolled in the study; data collection instruments included Death Attitude Profile-Revised (DAP-R) and the DNR attitude questionnaires. The mean scores of DAP-R and DNR items were 150.89/ ± 23.59 and 91.82 ± 11.41, respectively. There was a significant relationship between death attitude and DNR attitude Famong ICNs. All dimensions of DAP-R significantly predicted attitude toward DNR (P < 0.05). Among those, “neutral acceptance” (1.17 [95% CI (0.68--1.65)] was the strongest predictor and “death avoidance” was the weakest predictor (0.36 [95% CI (0.09--0.62)]. There was a significant relationship between the ICNs' work experience and attitude toward DNR (p = 0.03). The findings can be used in formulation of the national guideline for DNR order.