On November 4,1979, Iranian terrorists took 53 Americans hostage at the embassy in Tehran and set into motion a national crisis — not only for the individual hostages and their families, but also for the staffs of the governmental agencies involved in the release negotiations. The incarceration of the Americans in Iran for 444 days will clearly be considered a critical life event of significant magnitude for both the returned hostages and for their families. The purpose of this paper is twofold: first, to describe the Task Force on Families of Catastrophe and its role in the Iranian crisis; and second, to identify ways in which nurses can be effective in dealing with victims and families caught in political and social upheaval. It will be useful here to briefly review crisis intervention theory.

Most nurses not only accept the notion that patients have rights, but also stand ready to help patients assert them. But how far will nurses go? Will they be willing allies as patients press for more recognition of their individuality and autonomy? At the National Conference on Patients' Rights held in Nashville in late September, 1980, I outlined for patient rights activists a five-point agenda for the ‘80s. Since then I have presented this agenda to nursing audiences in Kentucky, Massachusetts, New York, California, and Michigan. The reception has varied, but many nurses are uncomfortable with the proposal. The purpose of this column is to present the agenda in written form to give Nursing Law & Ethics readers an opportunity to comment on it.

Nursing must develop techniques for handling controversy. As nursing becomes a more visible and diverse part of the health care system, it must increasingly respond to commentary and criticism — from other providers, from consumers, and from within. Nursing can respond productively to this review, thereby enhancing professional growth and contributing to a positive professional image.

An examination of nursing attitudes toward controversy should focus on the preparation — both formal and informal — provided for student nurses in this area. The ability to deal productively with controversy depends upon skills and attitudes; nursing programs must emphasize both of these to truly prepare students who will represent nursing favorably. I have identified four major areas in which nursing can strive to achieve this goal.