Professional nursing support for culturally diverse family members of critically ill adults

Family members' perceptions of professional support expected of critical care nurses were examined for differences related to cultural affiliation using the "Professional Support Questionnaire for Critical Care Nurses Working with Family Members" (PSQ). The PSQ was administered face-to-face to family members waiting to visit a critically ill relative admitted to the intensive care unit. ANOVA and post hoc tests were computed to compare 90 family members' expectations for professional nursing support during a relative's critical illness across three cultural groups-African American, Hispanic, and White. There were significant differences in family members' responses on certain PSQ items across cultural groups. Despite these differences, family members' expectations of professional support from critical care nurses were generally universal-suggesting equitable care, dignity, and respect should be universal values. There is a need for critical care nurses to develop interventions that respect some cultural uniqueness as well as address the universal needs of family members coping with the ICU admission of a critically ill family member.