Advance directives: evaluation of nurses' knowledge, attitude, confidence, and experience.

This study assessed nurses' knowledge, attitudes, experience, and confidence in discussing advance directives with patients. Concepts were measured using a questionnaire administered to 87 acute care registered nurses. Results indicated lack of knowledge about laws regarding advance directives, moderately negative attitudes toward advance directives, moderate confidence, and moderate experience with advance directives. The study supports the need to explore ways to assist nurses to be comfortable with advance directives discussions to improve quality patient care.