End-of-Life Education for Nurses

The Critical Need for End-Of-Life Education

Of the 2.4 million deaths in the United States each year, approximately 44% occur in hospitals, 25% in nursing homes, and 25% at home. Nurses spend more time at the bedside caring for patients at the end-of-life (EOL) than any other professional group, so it is vital that they receive up-to-date education in palliative care. Comprehensive training should ideally include information and resources for effective coordination of EOL care across all settings and disease transitions, and include the psychosocial and spiritual needs of patients and families.