The American Association of Critical Care Nurses (AACN) position is that all ICUs should have a written policy allowing the option for family members to be present during resuscitation and invasive procedures (Knight, 2004). The AACN supports the Emergency Nurses Association (ENA) position statement of 1994, revised in 2001, on the presence of family during resuscitation. The policy lets everyone who comes to the unit know the culture of the institution. A recent study conducted by the AACN and ENA showed that only about five percent of critical care and emergency nurses surveyed were aware of a policy allowing family presence during CPR and invasive procedures at their hospitals, even though the public has overwhelmingly expressed a wish to be present. Not having a written policy causes confusion between nurses on different shifts and family members.
It is documented in the literature that being present at resuscitation and invasive procedures can help family members process their perceptions of adverse outcomes and leaves fewer unanswered questions, but there may be cultural differences in the acceptance of such practices which must be respected (Knight, 2004). Family members also may not want to be present for all procedures because some may, for example, not wish to see blood. Many facilities do not want family members present at these occasions because of the fear of malpractice lawsuits. Family members may also obstruct the staff in their duties by trying to help, or grasping for their loved ones. A policy setting out clearly the number of family members allowed to be present at one time should be established and needs to be posted for staff and family members to see so everyone knows the rules. Review of Literature
A position statement by the Emergency Nurses Association in 2001 re`ffirmed their 1893 resolution to support the option of the family being present during invasive procedures and resus...