Parent Advocacy Group for Events of Resuscitation.

BACKGROUND: The presence of patients' families during resuscitation has been an important practice issue. An American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) practice alert "Family Presence During Resuscitation and Invasive Procedures" supports family members of patients undergoing resuscitation being given the option of bedside presence. Parent Advocacy Group for Events of Resuscitation (PAGER) is an interdisciplinary collaborative in the pediatric intensive care unit.

OBJECTIVES: To ensure that patients' families are provided the option of being with their child during cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

METHODS: Resuscitation data were collected for 12 months by using the AACN practice alert audit tool. The Family Nurse Caring Belief Scale was administered to 150 pediatric intensive care unit nurses. PAGER nurses received crisis education.

RESULTS: Pediatric intensive care unit nurses were supportive of providing the option of family presence during resuscitation. Family Nurse Caring Belief Scale data revealed areas for improvement in family caring practices. PAGER was implemented with positive outcomes for 2 families.

CONCLUSIONS: PAGER has improved the care of families whose children experience cardiopulmonary resuscitation and should be implemented in pediatric critical care units. PAGER nurses are prepared to serve as role models in providing family-sensitive care during crisis.