Understanding the beliefs of Jehovah's Witnesses

The individual religious belief system of the patient who is one of Jehovah's Witnesses regarding the refusal of blood products may have a direct impact on his or her treatment and its outcome. The critical care nurse is in a unique and powerful position to support this patient through the many potentially stressful clinical and emotional situations that this decision may engender. A thorough understanding of the rationale behind the Jehovah's Witnesses' belief system is necessary to provide intelligent and ethical nursing care.