Keywords

end of life, intensive care, medical futility, nursing

 

Authors

  1. McCroskey, Diane

Abstract

Abstract: Advances in technology and medical knowledge have dramatically altered our ability to sustain life in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Many things come into play for the nurse when establishing patient goals, respecting patient's wishes, and valuing spiritual and cultural beliefs in end-of-life care. A veteran ICU nurse shares the challenges of caring and how she copes when medical interventions seem futile.