Are nurses adequately prepared for end-of-life care?

Area of Science:

• Oncology Nursing
• Palliative Care Education
• End-of-Life Care Competencies

Background:

• End-of-life (EOL) care is a critical component of oncology nursing practice.
• Identifying core competencies and educational needs is essential for effective EOL care delivery.
• Practicing oncology nurses' perspectives are crucial for curriculum development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine end-of-life (EOL) care core competencies and educational needs among practicing oncology nurses.
• To identify respondent characteristics associated with the selection of key EOL care competencies.
• To inform the development of targeted educational programs for oncology nurses.

Main Methods:

• A mailed descriptive survey was developed and administered to Oncology Nursing Society members.
• The survey was distributed in four US states (Georgia, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin) in late 1999.
• Data were collected on perceived EOL care competencies and educational needs.

Main Results:

• Nearly all respondents recognized EOL care as part of their practice and valued continuing education.
• One-third of nurses reported less than two hours of EOL care continuing education in the past two years.
• Communicating with dying patients and families was the highest-rated core competency, consistent across demographics.
• Pain control and comfort care were frequently identified as areas needing further education.

Conclusions:

• Findings provide guidelines for enhancing educational curricula in EOL nursing care.
• Educational programs should consider the specific characteristics of nurses when planning content.
• Improving EOL care education can enhance the quality of care provided to patients and families.