Kudos to Jo Stecher for her Viewpoint discussing end-of-life care ("'Allow Natural Death' vs. 'Do Not Resuscitate,'" July). As the assistant nurse manager of an ICU, I have witnessed the struggles of families and patients who are attempting to determine the level of intervention desired at life's end. I've also witnessed medical and nursing professionals confuse do-not-resuscitate (DNR) status with a do-not-treat mentality. There is nothing more frustrating than to assume the care of a patient only to discover that important interventions have been overlooked, undervalued, or dismissed in the shadow of a DNR form.

I agree that "a kinder, gentler approach would benefit everyone" in terms of using the alternative phrasing "allow natural death." But merely renaming a patient's status isn't the answer. We need to consistently educate clinicians regarding appropriate levels of intervention to ensure that the best possible care is delivered at the end of life.

Florence, KY