Implementing a Palliative Care Program in a Hospital setting

[luv2rsq]

Hello Nurse friends!!

I was fortunate enough to be sent to a Nurse Residency Program through the hospital at which I am currently employed. It was there that I learned that other facilities had programs in place that provided pts and their families education, materials and support to help them through the end of life process, grieving and to how to help themselves heal.

I have expressed my interest starting such a program, administration thinks that it would be a great idea and would like to hear more about what I have in mind.

I was just wondering if anyone out there has had any experience in implementing a Palliative Care Program within their hospital. I am seeking any advice, websites, books or suggestions that have worked for you. I would love to hear from you! Thanks in advance for your input!!!

[Guest 360983]

Palliative Care is not Hospice. Palliative Care is about managing a patient's symptoms, while Hospice is end of life care. I spent a lot of time at Famous Cancer Center in school and they had an inpatient palliative care unit. Most patients there were DNR hospice patients, but several were getting their pain and nausea under control so they could restart treatment (often clinical trials).

I'd suggest checking out the HPNA site (Hospice and Palliative Nurse Association). I found some good info there when I did a project involving hospice in my final semester of nursing school. If there is a local chapter, check out a meeting. If you PM me, I can also give you some contact info for Famous Cancer Center's unit, though I make no guarantees about responses as I'm no longer there. :)