Nevada nurses' attitudes regarding physician-assisted suicide

This descriptive study of Nevada nurses (N = 539) indicates that nurses are evenly divided on the issue of physician-assisted suicide (PAS). Using hypothetical cases, the survey compares nurses' beliefs regarding withdrawal of life-support measures (92% agree, n = 489), double-effect euthanasia (85% agree, n = 447), PAS (53% agree, n = 280), and active euthanasia (44% agree, n = 235). Responses to arguments supporting or rejecting the legalization of PAS are presented. Arguments include: patient autonomy, relief of pain and suffering, death with dignity, decreased quality of life, relief of psychological and financial burdens, sacredness of life, use of adequate comfort measures, unenforceability of safeguards, the professional ethical code, and inappropriate motives. Seventy-five percent (n = 400) of Nevada nurses indicate they personally feel PAS may be justified in selected cases. Only 46% (n = 240) would be willing to participate in PAS if it were legalized. Selected written comments from respondents are included.