Factors Influencing Nurses' Participation in Voluntary-Assisted Dying: A National Cross-Sectional Study

To identify nurse practitioners' and registered nurses' willingness to participate in voluntary assisted dying, and the factors that influence these decisions.

A cross-sectional design.

An online survey was disseminated to members of 16 professional nursing organisations and associations between April and August 2024.

Responses from 396 participants were analysed. Most were registered nurses (n = 335, 84.6%), aged between 45 and 64 years (n = 217, 54.8%). Over half of the participants (n = 219, 55.3%) had some knowledge of voluntary assisted dying, and more than two-thirds (n = 274, 69.2%) strongly supported it. Respect for a person's rights (n = 345, 89.8%) and relieving suffering (n = 342, 89.1%) were the main reasons nurses participated. Most nurse practitioner participants would be prepared to assess a person's eligibility for voluntary assisted dying (n = 32, 82.1%) or prescribe a substance (n = 31, 79.5%), if permitted by law. Religion, age and years of experience were characteristics associated with reasons for participation.

In Australia, some RNs and NPs are willing to participate in a range of VAD-related activities. However, in some jurisdictions, nurses' engagement is limited by legislative and policy settings. Reconsideration of nurses' roles may enhance access.

With appropriate support, nurses can make a valuable contribution to the sustainability of the voluntary assisted dying workforce.