Generic palliative care should be provided to all patients (NCPC 2002).  Consequently, nursing staff should be equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills to ensure effective end of life care is delivered wherever they are employed. (End of Life Care Strategy 2008)

This five day course covers:

The Philosophy of Palliative Care (day 1)
5th May 2011

Learning outcomes:

• know the WHO definition of palliative care
• recognise how the 5 key principles of palliative care apply in your practice setting
• identify ethical principles that influence practice in end of life care
• describe the process of dying
• recognise a dying patient

End of Life Conversations (day 2)
19th May 2011

Learning outcomes:

• recognise that end of life conversations can be difficult & identify why they are difficult for you
• discuss difficult questions & consider how you might respond
• discuss the concept of truth telling in relation to end of life conversations
• have the opportunity to practice the skills you learn

Pain and Symptom Management (day 3)
9th June 2011

Learning outcomes:

• understand the importance of pain assessment
• explain how to use the WHO analgesic ladder effectively
• identify non-drug interventions in managing pain
• discuss the management of common symptoms in end of life care
• recognise ethical dilemmas that arise when managing pain & other symptoms

Loss, Grief & Bereavement (day 4)
23rd June 2011

Learning outcomes:

• describe the characteristics of loss & grief
• be aware of current theories of bereavement & how these apply in practice
• discuss cultural differences that influence responses to loss
• explain possible interventions when dealing with bereaved people

Looking after Yourself (day 5)
7th July 2011

Learning outcomes:

• identify which issues are likely to result in stress
• know how to recognize stress in yourself & others
• demonstrate the effective use of coping strategies including: assertiveness; reflection; debriefing & clinical supervision.

TARGET AUDIENCE: 
Registered nurses & health care assistants. 
Other healthcare professionals are welcome to attend.

Each day will run from 9.30 am to 4.30 pm at St Catherine's Education and Training Centre.  The full course costs
£399-00 ~ includes handouts, refreshments and lunch ~ but it is possible to book individual study days at £85-00 per day.