The Attitude And Experience Of Iranian Nurses About Do Not Resuscitate Order

Abstract

Introduction: Do-Not-Resuscitate order (DNR) in Muslim countries, has been known as a 
controversial issue. There is also limited information about nurses 'attitudes and experiences toward it. 
Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate nurses' experiences and attitudes about DNR. 
Methods: It was a descriptive-analytic study on 630 nurses who working in hospitals affiliated with 
Kermanshah University of Medical Science (KUMS). A researcher-made questionnaire on DNR 
experience and Dunn's do-not-resuscitate attitude questionnaire were used to collect the data. Data 
were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS Inc, Chicago, IL) software 
examining descriptive and inferential statistics. 
Results: 64.8% of nurses had experience with DNR and most of them reported their positive attitude 
towards DNR orders in many key items. %62.8 of nurses believed that DNR should be allowed under 
patients and their families’ permission while 72% of nurses reported that DNR was ordered without the 
consent form patient's family. 
Conclusions: Results showed positive attitude of nurses toward DNR, in addition they were afraid of
legal consequences of applying DNR. Therefore, it seems necessary to formulate a national guideline 
for implementation of DNR and apply the views of nurses throughout the process.