End-of-life competencies and the NCLEX-RN examination

With the aging of the population, health care workers must be prepared to deal with clients and families facing end-of-life (EOL) issues. Nurses, as one of the primary providers of care and the largest professional group to provide care, can make a significant impact on EOL care. This article uses 15 nursing competencies that have been identified as important in providing high-quality care to clients and the families of clients at the end of life and delineates where these competencies are addressed in the 1998 NCLEX-RN Test Plan. Available resources that provide information on EOL content are mentioned as well as how to become involved in the NCLEX item development process.