In most cultures, maintaining dignity especially in the final moments of life has particular importance (Abiven 1991). In other words, respect for the choices and decisions of an individual regarding end of life, and how and when to die is the right of all human beings (McDonald 2004). Under these circumstances, the patients and their family and caregivers are usually exposed to high levels of stress (Abiven 1993). Therefore, dignity provides a broad guiding framework for doctors, nurses, patients and family members regarding the provision of end-of-life care (Chochinov et al. 2004). Dying with dignity in ethical contexts is defined as intelligence or wisdom. Moreover, the word dying with dignity is frequently used in clinical and philosophical contexts, while it is an undefined concept and will remain vague until the end of life (McDonald 2004). Concerns and fears related to the process of death and dying (death anxiety) is one of factors that cause the loss of dignity. It is one of the most common reasons that patients request euthanasia or assisted suicide (Kelly 2009). Therefore, dignity leads to pride, self-respect, sense of well-being, hope, confidence and a meaningful and purposeful life and ultimately leads to reduction of patient suffering and facilitates the provision of a comfortable death (Khademi et al. 2012). Respecting patients’ dignity is a step towards increasing their satisfaction of nursing services. It also has consequences such as establishment of a desirable patient–nurse relationship and a sense of safety, reduction of the length of hospitalisation and costs and elevation of nurses’ motivation to provide better services (Sadeghi & Dehghan Nayyeri 2009). It is also important to note that family members and close friends of the patient will also experience death with the patient. Thus, dying with dignity, in addition to the patient, is also important for family and friends, which should be taken into account in the science of caregiving (McCallum & McConigley 2013).