Abstract

Aim. The present study aimed to examine Critical care nurses’ participation in clinical decision making with physicians.

Background. Regarding to the extent of the responsibilities and scope of nursing science and the need for making accurate and sensitive decisions, nurses should be able to judge on clinical solemn occasions and make decisions to save the patient’s life in complex situations.

Method. In this cross-sectional study, 110 critical care nurses working in intensive care units of health care centers in Rasht, Iran, were recruited using census sampling method. The data were collected using the questionnaire “participation in clinical decision making” (PDAQ) and demographic form. Data were analyzed in SPSS using descriptive and inferential statistics.

Findings. The results showed that the majority of critical care nurses were being participated in clinical decisionmaking.

Conclusion. Work experience, marital status, desire to continue work in intensive care unit, and managerial role contributed to greater participation of critical care nurses in clinical decision making with physicians.