Nurses' beliefs about family presence during resuscitation.

The purpose of this descriptive qualitative study was to explore the beliefs and experiences of RNs about family presence (FP) during cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Ten RNs with a minimum of 4 years of clinical experience working in diverse acute care units provided data for the study. Data were analyzed using the constant comparative method. Four themes emerged: (a) the conditions under which FP is an option; (b) using FP to force decision making; (c) staff's feelings of "being watched"; and (d) the impact of FP on a family. Because FP is not traditionally practiced, it may not be a consideration unless brought to the attention of administration by nursing staff committed to changing their policy.