Palliative Care Clinical Pract

Catalog description

This course provides the student with an in-depth opportunity to explore the role of the principles of palliative care and apply the knowledge and skills of this specialty practice area in a clinical setting of patients with terminal illness. Under the guidance of a faculty member and an expert preceptor, the student will actively participate in the needs of patients and families coping with terminal illness and plan, implement, and evaluate care during a semester-long clinical practicum experience. The student is expected to establish a specific set of objectives to be accomplished, work alongside a nurse expert in the field of palliative care, integrate the most current research data in the development of palliative of care plans, engage in interdisciplinary collaboration to ensure coordinated and comprehensive patient care, and evaluate the achievement of patient and family goals of care. The student is expected to complete 180 hours of practicum (2.5 credits = 15 hours per week (6 hours/credit) for 12 weeks). Students will also attend 12-15 hours of seminar and individual meetings with instructor during the semester to discuss and share teaching/learning experiences in their advanced professional role as providers of care to terminally ill patients and their families.