ANA Position Statement: Nursing Care and Do-Not-Resuscitate (DNR) Decisions

The nurse’s role includes assisting patients, families, surrogate decision-makers, and health care team members in the process of making informed choices regarding do-not-resuscitate orders. It is important to note that considerations for do-not-resuscitate orders can happen at any time in the course of a patient’s care, not only at the end of life. Practice guidelines exist regarding effective cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Performing resuscitation that is inconsistent with this evidence-informed practice risks challenges to professional integrity as well as potential harm to patients. In addition, there still exists confusion regarding do-not-resuscitate orders and related terminology. This statement provides ethical guidance for nurses in the do-not-resuscitate decision-making process and makes recommendations for clinical and policy change.