Critical care nurses know that some families handle the anxiety of the critical illness well and can continue to learn and problem-solve, while others seem to be overwhelmed with the anxiety and are unable to function. The way families handle the anxiety are important to their ability to learn. With shorter stays, the nurse needs to help families to handle their anxiety, so they can prepare for the patient's ultimate discharge home. The author describes results of a study on the variables related to family member anxiety and techniques for assessment and reduction of family anxiety.