Comparison of perceived needs of family members between registered nurses and family members of critically ill patients in intensive care and neonatal intensive care units.

Using the Norris and Grove (1986) questionnaire of perceived needs of families of critically ill patients, 11 registered nurses working in the neonatal intensive care unit and 19 registered nurses working in the intensive care unit of two mid-northern community hospitals provided their perceptions of family needs. Their responses were compared with responses of family members of patients in the intensive care unit (n = 25) and the (n = 24). Results suggest that regardless of unit, registered nurses' perceptions of family needs are congruent. Family members collectively and by unit ranked their needs consistently higher and in some areas differently than did the registered nurses.