Family presence in final moments: a precious gift.

The experience of a family and nurse who shared the acute illness of a teenager illustrates advocacy for family presence in the ICU and during resuscitation as well as integration of spiritual care in complex nursing practice. Family participation supports physical, emotional, and spiritual needs, allowing for open communication and the comfort of knowing that a loved one is receiving care. Although critical care, heart, and emergency nursing associations support family presence and holistic care, family presence remains controversial.