In 1966, a study on ethical issues confronting physicians at the University of Washington Medical School found that patients or their families often asked them not to preserve life. In 1968, a survey was sent to registered practical nurses at the University of Washington Hospital & the Swedish Hospital Medical Centre to find out if they had received similar requests & if they would cooperate with these. The survey found that the amount of exposure to prior life stress, marital status, & experience & education all affected how many requests for euthanasia nurses heard. (LC) (5 refs)