Palliative Care for Progressive Care Certified Nurse (PCCN)

Palliative Care

Definition/Etiology:

• Multidisciplinary team approach
• Focus:
  • Improve comfort 
  • Improve quality of life 
  • Patients with serious illness 
• Separate or in conjunction with hospice care

Pathophysiology:

• Who qualifies?
  • Heart failure 
  • COPD
  • Cancer
  • Dementia

Noticing: Assessment & Recognizing Cues:

• Symptom management
  • Pain
  • Fatigue
  • Constipation
  • Nausea/loss of appetite
  • Sleep challenges
  • Mental health needs

Interpreting: Analyzing & Planning:

• Treatment options
  • Aligned with treatment goals
  • Collaborate with current providers
• Locations
  • Hospitals 
  • Outpatient clinic
  • Nursing homes
  • Patient’s home

Responding: Patient Interventions & Taking Action:

• Nurse’s Responsibility
  • Encourage patient to communicate needs
  • Advocate for patient’s needs
  • Education on expectations

Reflecting: Evaluating Patient Outcomes:

• N/A

Linchpins (Key Points):

• Support patient by improving their comfort and quality of life.