Effects of a Community-Based Hospice Experience on Attitudes and Self-Perceived Competencies of Baccalaureate Senior Nursing Students

Background: Educational programs preparing nurses have devoted little time in the curricula to the care of the dying patient and the grieving family. Method: An experimental design was used to determine the effects of a 2-day hospice experience on the attitudes and competencies of 61 baccalaureate nursing students enrolled in their final semester. Measures included an end-of-life attitudes survey, an end-of-life competency survey, and student reflections. Results: Mean scores changed significantly after the hospice experience, suggesting a positive attitude change as a result of the intervention. Although mean scores in competency changed, these were not statistically significant. Student reflections supported attitude changes about end-of-life care and improved competencies. Conclusion: Although the experience seemed to make a difference, larger samples and longer exposure to the care of the dying are needed to more accurately assess the impact of a hospice experience on student attitudes and competencies related to end-of-life care.