To Die or Not to Die: This is the Dilemma!

AcHealthcare professionals are faced with many challenging ethical dilemmas and controversies that are difficult to resolve in today's workforce. Among these issues is the controversial “right to die” debate. Methods: A review of literature of 10 references, including 3 case studies and 2 qualitative studies published between 2012 through 2016 was performed using the CINAHL database. This research was conducted to gather information on right to die decisions in relation to ethical principles and the role of the nurse. Results: It was found that up to 60% percent of patients receiving end of life care did not feel they were completely informed of prognosis, possibility of death or alternatives in communications with their health care providers. The number years of experience a nurse had in the said unit was found to be directly correlated with increased comfort levels in these communications with patient and family. The need for continuing education in end-of-life care and showed the second highest rated core competency needed by nurses is communicating about death and dying. Conclusion: Nurses should be an integral part of the conversations about end of life care that include values, beliefs, desires and fears of the patient and their families. The better equipping health care professionals with the tools necessary to assist with end of life care in an autonomous way may help to the alleviate the burden that may soon be placed on them regarding the right to die.