Graduate Nursing Department PALLIATIVE CARE NURSING Palliative care is "...the active total care of patients whose disease is not responsive to curative treatment. Control of pain, of other symptoms, and of psychological, social, and spiritual problems is paramount. The goal of palliative care is achievement of the best quality of life for patients and their families..." (World Health Organization, 1990). The Palliative Care Nursing program is one of the first graduate programs in New York State to focus on end of life care. The increasing use of high technology in health care and the dramatic growth of the aging population has fueled the demand for quality end of life care. This innovative program will build on the student's previous nursing education and experience and present an interdisciplinary approach to improving end of life care. Intensive clinical experiences may be designed to meet the individual goals and interests of students. Specialization in specific areas of health care such as oncology, gerontology, hospice care, and chronic disease can be arranged using the wide variety of clinical agencies in the Western New York area. The program can be completed in as little as 15 months (full-time) or on an individualized part-time basis. Classes are offered in a block-schedule format to meet the needs of working professionals. Outcomes Objectives Upon completion of the masters program in palliative care nursing, the graduate will: Attend to the health and illness experiences of clients from a variety of socio-cultural backgrounds. Create a supportive, caring environment that enhances each client's dignity and acknowledges his/her strengths. Use applicable research and theory to assist clients in changing modifiable risk factors. Synthesize information from a variety of disciplines to develop diagnostic and treatment strategies for clients with chronic illnesses. Work to enhance the lived experience for clients with chronic illnesses and those who are dying, and their significant others. Provide therapeutic interventions and regimens that incorporate an understanding of the client's needs and desires, while considering multiple systems variables and the impact of these variables on treatment options (e.g. treatment efficacy, cost factors, and safety issues). Work collaboratively with other health care team members in providing care for clients with complex health care needs. Monitor the quality of health care provided to clients in a variety of settings. Incorporate professional, legal, moral, and ethical standards into practice. Critically analyze and synthesize research to determine applicability to clinical practice. Develop a research project or thesis pertinent to advanced nursing practice. Contribute to professional nursing through advanced nursing practice and professional involvement. Curriculum Plan Graduate Nursing Core Courses NUR 515 Theoretical Perspectives 2 NUR 602 Qualitative Research 2 NUR 603 Quantitative Research 2 NUR 604 Thesis or NUR 605 Project 4-6 Advanced Nursing Core Courses NUR 511 Conceptual Basis for Advanced Practice 2 NUR 513 Issues in Advanced Adult Health 2 Palliative Care Advanced Practice Courses NUR 506 Foundations of Palliative Care 1 NUR 524 Care for the Caregiver 1 NUR 525 Ethical Dilemmas in Palliative Care 2 NUR 531 Palliative Care Management I 6 NUR 601 Palliative Care Management II 6 TOTAL 30-32 credits Post-Baccalaureate Palliative Care Certificate The post-baccalaureate certificate program is designed for those nurses who wish to attain expertise in palliative care. Criteria for admission to the certificate program are as follows: Possession of a baccalaureate degree in nursing from an accredited (NLNAC and/or CCNE) program. License to practice as a registered professional nurse. One year medical surgical clinical experience (or equivalent). Three letters of recommendation. Interview with the nursing faculty. Submission of a resume summarizing professional activities and completed nursing education. The post-baccalaureate certificate program is not a degree granting program, and is designed as a part-time program. The following courses are required for the post-baccalaureate certificate in palliative care nursing: Foundations of Palliative Care 1 Ethical Dilemmas 2 Care for the Caregiver 1 Palliative Care Management I 6 Palliative Care Management II 6 TOTAL 16