The concept underlying the increase in the implementation of the DNR decision is that the
patient’s dignity is insulted if life-support treatment is continued despite the negligible (or zero)
chances of recovery.7 Patients with serious conditions are treated in ICUs, and many biomedical problems
of dying patients are encountered, with the DNR agreement most often being proposed by doctors.
1 However, the exclusion of nurses from the DNR decision-making process may prevent
them from playing their role as patient advocates, and make it difficult to consult and support the
patient’s family. Nurses spend most of their time beside patients, and through effective communication
with their patients and their families can play an important role in discerning their beliefs,
values and wishes with regard to the ethical conclusions.8 Therefore, considering the environmental
characteristics of the ICU, where visits from family members or caregivers are restricted and the
patient’s critical health condition can rapidly deteriorate, establishing a value system and understanding
about the DNR decision-making process among ICU nurses would be invaluable.