Abstract
This article compares the aggressiveness of nursing behavioral intentions in the care of the end-of-life patient between 1989 and 2014. Using a comparison design, the effects of patient age, presence of a do-not-resuscitate order, and nursing unit norms on the aggressiveness of nursing behavioral intentions were documented in 1989 and again in 2014. The results were compared for significant changes over time. Based on the results of this study, it appears that there has been a significant increase in aggressiveness of nursing behavioral intentions in the care of the end-of-life patient, even if the patient has a do-not-resuscitate order and is attempting to refuse certain nursing or medical procedures. This study has implications for increased teaching on end-of-life care, quality of life, and rights of patients to self-determination during the end of life.