<p>Background How nurses care for patients who have a cardiac arrest and for their family members who witness it has been identified as being paramount in determining relatives’ acceptance of death and their ability to cope thereafter. In this article the author analyses the available literature, focuses on the advantages and disadvantages of families being present during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in hospital and questions what effect this has on the grieving process (Kübler-Ross 1970).</p> <p>Conclusion Nurses should take into account the views of relatives, although attempted resuscitation should never be compromised by family members being present. Evidence suggests that it can improve the grieving process for families and be helpful to patients who survive.</p>