Fast Facts for the Hospice Nurse: A Concise Guide to End-of-Life Care

Author: Patricia Moyle Wright, PhD, CRNP, CNS, CHPN, CNE
Publisher: Springer Publishing Company
Date Published: 2017
Pages: 167 plus appendix and index
Cover Type: Soft Cover
Expiration Date: 12/31/2021

This program is pre-approved by the Commission for Case Manager Certification (CCMC) to provide continuing education credit to Certified Case Managers (CCMs).

The catalog description for this course was in error. This course provides 12.5 contact hours.

CCRNs: This course is eligible for new synergy model Category B.

A handy reference for hospice nurses and those interested in end-of-life care, this practical guide covers the essential elements in the compassionate and holistic care of terminally ill patients and their families. Nurses care for patients facing end-of-life issues in every practice specialty and, as the U.S. population continues to age, the need for proficiency in end-of-life skills will become increasingly important. Fast Facts for the Hospice Nurse: A Concise Guide to End-of-Life Care provides emotional, administrative, and palliative support, whether in a hospice, long-term care facility, or acute care setting. This text clearly and concisely lays out not only how to care for patients facing end-of-life issues, but also how to engage in self-care and cope with occupational stress.

Beginning with an overview of hospice care, including its history and philosophy, this book offers a timeline of the growth of the hospice movement in the United States. Subsequent sections include up-to-date information on the clinical responsibilities of the hospice nurse in addressing the physical, psychological, and spiritual needs of terminally ill patients and their families in a culturally sensitive way. This book also outlines the administrative duties of the hospice nurse, including hospice documentation, a review of hospice regulations, and quality management. The closing section focuses on occupational stress in hospice nursing and how to engage in self-care. This text can serve as a useful clinical resource and also as a reference for nurses seeking hospice certification from the Hospice and Palliative Credentialing Center.

Key Features

• Organized within the context of the scope and standards of practice of the Hospice and Palliative Nurses Association.
• Addresses key points about issues unique to hospice nursing and highlights evidence-based interventions
• Addresses important Medicare regulations and reimbursement
• Offers numerous clinical resources to assist with hospice nursing practice

Pilot Nurse Comments

• "The textbook provided much-needed information as well as 'pearls' to take away."
• "What a great little book! It’s so user-friendly."
• "The textbook was clear and straightforward."
• "Although I am a critical care nurse, I gained a lot of insight from the course."
• "This text was an excellent resource and had well-organized content."
• "The textbook was very user-friendly. Easy to read. Great information presented."
• "Great course. I would recommend it to all nurses even if they are not specializing in the hospice field."
• "I did not have any questions or comments because I would not change anything! I thought the book and test were great."
• "Quick read, concise."
• "Appreciate the contact information for organizations and other resources."
• "I’m glad you included a discussion about lateral (horizontal) violence and workplace bullying. I have seen this in many nursing situations, but I personally did not experience or observe bullying in my hospice work. That may be why hospice work for me was the most satisfying."
• "Found the book informative. Liked the 'in a nutshell' concept."
• "I work with many cancer patients and children with brain tumors. The self-care sections of the book are excellent."

Table of Contents

Part I Overview of Hospice

1. The Difference Between Hospice and Palliative Care

2. History and Evolution of Hospice in the United States

3. Hospice Philosophy and the Role of the Nurse

4. The Hospice Nurse as a Member of the Interdisciplinary Team

Part II The Nuts and Bolts of Hospice Nursing

5. Establishing Goals of Care

6. Establishing Hospice Eligibility

7. Hospice Basics: Admission and Ongoing Care

8. Levels of Care

Part III End-of-Life Care for Patients and Families

9. Recognizing Existential Suffering and Spiritual Needs and Providing Appropriate Support

10. Nursing Considerations for Cultural Variations at the End of Life

11. Assessing and Responding to Physical Changes and Symptoms at the End of Life

12. Supporting Family Members and Caregivers

13. Understanding Grief and Bereavement

Part IV Ensuring Quality Care in Hospice

14. Defining Quality in Hospice

15. Monitoring Quality

16. Ensuring Compliance With Hospice Regulations

17. Electronic Documentation in Hospice

Part V Occupational Stress in Hospice Nursing

18. Sources of Occupational Stress

19. Consequences of Occupational Stress

20. Addressing Occupational Stress

21. Self-Care 101