In today’s healthcare landscape, the need for specialized care that addresses the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of patients facing serious illness is paramount. Our Nurse Practitioner Palliative Care Program is designed to equip advanced practice nurses with the essential knowledge and skills to provide comprehensive palliative care across the lifespan. Through a blend of didactic coursework, hands-on simulation, and real-world clinical practicums, you will gain expertise in this vital and growing field of healthcare. This program focuses on developing critical therapeutic communication skills necessary for nurse practitioners to lead sensitive conversations, support informed decision-making, and facilitate advanced care planning for patients and their families navigating complex health challenges.
Core Courses in Our Nurse Practitioner Palliative Care Program
Our curriculum is meticulously structured to provide a deep and comprehensive understanding of palliative care principles and practices. Each course is designed to build upon the previous one, ensuring a robust and well-rounded educational experience.
Foundations and Physical Aspects of Palliative Care (NUR 851)
(Spring Only)
This foundational course delves into the structure, processes, core principles, and overarching philosophy of palliative care. NUR 851 provides the framework for understanding how to effectively assess and manage a wide range of physical symptoms that patients experiencing serious illnesses often face. You will learn evidence-based strategies for symptom management, alongside crucial communication techniques to foster open and honest dialogue with patients and their families. A key component of this course is developing collaborative care goals that are patient-centered and family-focused, ensuring holistic and compassionate care.
Psychosocial Aspects of Palliative Care (NUR 853)
(Summer Only)
Building upon the foundational knowledge, NUR 853 explores the intricate psychosocial dimensions of palliative care. This course cultivates the essential knowledge and skills required to deliver comprehensive and culturally sensitive palliative care. You will learn to effectively address the diverse psychosocial needs, spiritual beliefs, practices, and values of seriously ill individuals and their families. The curriculum emphasizes providing care that is respectful of individual traditions and values across the entire lifespan and continuum of care, ensuring every patient receives personalized and dignified support.
Advanced Practice Nursing: Palliative Care Specialty Across the Lifespan Synthesis (NUR 855)
This synthesis course serves as the capstone experience, focusing on the practical application of theoretical knowledge and clinical management skills acquired throughout the program. NUR 855 prepares you to confidently care for patients requiring palliative care in various healthcare settings and across all stages of life. The course emphasizes the crucial role of the palliative care nurse practitioner within a collaborative practice model, enabling you to effectively integrate and lead palliative care initiatives within interdisciplinary teams.
Enrollment Information for the Nurse Practitioner Palliative Care Program
We offer flexible enrollment options to accommodate current students and practicing nurse practitioners.
Current Students: If you are currently enrolled in a program and wish to add the palliative care specialty, please complete the Specialty Add or Delete form (replace with actual link). This form will initiate the approval process with your student advisor and the Specialty Director, ensuring a smooth transition into the program.
Nurse Practitioners and Students from Other Institutions: Nurse practitioners holding an MSN degree or higher, and nurse practitioner students from other accredited institutions, who are interested in obtaining a certificate in our palliative care nursing specialty are encouraged to apply. Please follow the instructions for the Specialty Certificate application (link to application). Enrollment decisions are made by the specialty’s lead faculty, based on program capacity and applicant qualifications.
Add A Specialty (replace with actual link if available or remove if not relevant in this context).
By joining our Nurse Practitioner Palliative Care Program, you will be equipped to make a profound difference in the lives of patients and families facing serious illness, becoming a leader in compassionate and holistic healthcare.
