Multi-level classroom learning prepares nurses for future collaboration in palliative care: an educational initiative

Abstract

Background: Palliative care (PC) education should be an important part of both the graduate and undergraduate nursing curriculum. Nursing's philosophy of holistic care, which aims to improve the quality of life of patients and families, aligns with the primary objective of PC, positioning nurses to take the lead in expanding and improving PC delivery to all patients with a life-threatening diagnosis. The best way to facilitate this level of care is when staff nurses and advanced practice nurses work collaboratively. Aim: To establish a new standard for nursing education that emphasises intradisciplinary care. Methods: To fill the gap in PC education for nursing students, a dedicated elective PC class was developed for undergraduate and graduate students at a large midwestern University in the United States. Findings: Through an interactive approach to learning, both groups were able to experience and more fully understand how they would work collaboratively with each other to provide high-quality PC. Conclusions: Intradisciplinary PC education is an opportunity for students to learn the precepts of PC in an environment that will mirror their post-graduation practice environment.