Who has the power? Some problems and issues affecting the nursing care of dying patients

Abstract

Nurses play a central role in the care of dying people, yet they may find themselves marginalized, devalued or in conflict with other health professionals. This paper examines a number of problems and issues related to nursing power and control in the workplace. The factors we consider are: the relative effects of personal and structural influences; the 'medicalization' of dying; the demands and challenges of interdisciplinary work; ethical issues raised by euthanasia and AIDS; patients' rights to make informed decisions about their care; philosophies and policies of health care.