Palliative and End-of-Life Care Education Needs of Nurses Across Inpatient Care Settings

Background: Educating nurses about palliative and end-of-life (EOL) care is a high priority in health care settings. The purpose of this study was to assess nurses' perceived competency regarding the provision of palliative and EOL care to hospitalized patients. Method: This study surveyed nurses from 25 pediatric and adult acute and intensive care units (ICU; N = 583) Quantitative data analysis was descriptive and correlational. Qualitative data analysis identified themes of participant concerns. Results: Data analysis revealed that perceived competency in palliative and EOL care is significantly higher in the ICU nurses (p < 0001). Mean scores were significantly higher when nurses had more than 10 years of experience (p < 0001). Open-ended responses indicated concerns regarding improved communication behaviors, decision making, and facilitation of continuity of care. Conclusion: The results provide guidance for development of palliative and EOL care nursing education programs tailored to address specific unit needs according to staff characteristics, patient population focus of care, and acuity level of care.