The Importance Of Advance Directives

Death is a sorrowful moment for everyone involved and those concluding moments leading up to fatality are important to the patient, family members and as well to the healthcare provider. Because death is inescapable we all must prepare. Among the many issues regarding death it can easily become a more difficult dilemma if a patients wishes concerning their care are undefined. The protection of those who are on the edge of death or terminally ill and are unable to speak for oneself is an important factor that should be discussed, planned, and prepared for the future. Advance Directives are a written legal document in which it was created for this very purpose while making those final moments a little less difficult on
“Ninety-five percent of critically ill patients lack decision-making capacity, and the decision to limit life-sustaining measures (LSMs) is among the most difficult to make for clinicians and caregivers.” (Journal of Critical Care, 2014.) Such a high percent of individuals are unable to speak for there selves when experiencing accidents. This is a prime example as to why you need an advance directive. If you have a sudden accident or illness your wishes will be acknowledged. As long as you are competent and able to express your decisions your living will, will not be used. At any age anyone is capable of being involved in an accident and you may lose the ability to participate in healthcare decisions about your own treatment if not stated beforehand. Effective forums are provided to nurses educating them on the importance of Advance Directives and “as nurse leaders, we must take center stage in educating the public about the importance of advanced directives and end-of-life care options, while simultaneously presenting evidence-based facts wrapped in a shroud of care and compassion to family members making these difficult decisions.” (Hader, 2005.) Nurses are viewed as trust worthy respectable professionals; they have the opportunity to lead campaigns on how easy and important it is to complete an advance directive. Lawfully and ethically this type of system is being and should
Advance Directives are tremendously significant. It is fundamental that everyone makes some sort of prearrangement before a disastrous condition occurs where these decisions will need to be made. There are many resources available for educational purposes and it is too easy to obtain. Make the right decision for yourself and for your family members and accomplish the directives. Have the reassurance your family members and you deserve in your final