Authors

  1. ,

Article Content

Author Judith Schwarz, PhD, RN, responds: Not all dying patients want to openly acknowledge or plan their deaths, and even fewer actively seek information about which options permit them some control over the circumstances of their deaths. But those who want to know about all legally available end-of-life options are entitled to have these questions answered truthfully and accurately by their nurses. Nurses who believe such discussions conflict with their personal values are encouraged to transfer care of these patients to colleagues who can and will answer such questions. This is an important dialogue for nurses and their patients to have.