Strand leader: Ms S Lee
Nurses who have successfully completed this course will have a greater understanding of the multidisciplinary team concept which is central to the philosophy of holistic caring. They will be able to meet the needs of the community in an environment of rapidly changing patterns of health care delivery.
Aims
The palliative care nurse must combine a high level of knowledge, interpersonal skills and an ability to solve complex problems in a variety of environments. The course aims to:
* facilitate the acquisition of theoretical knowledge, skills and attitudes inherent in palliative care practice;
* develop the ability to critically and systematically evaluate practice;
* consider the diversity in needs of individuals, clients, their families and carers in a variety of care environments;
* promote practice which recognises legal and ethical codes of conduct and the importance of patient advocacy;
* foster the development of strategies to involve individuals, groups and the community as the unit of palliative care.
Objectives
On completion of this course it is expected that students should be able to:
* discuss the philosophy of hospice and palliative care;
* examine the decision-making process in assessing, planning and evaluating problems related to clients, care givers and the community involved with terminal illness;
* develop an understanding of the relationship of cultural and spiritual beliefs, grief and bereavement;
* explore a range of belief systems and methods of assisting clients to maintain their preferred lifestyles;
* demonstrate a range of skills related to caring, counselling and pastoral care;
* examine a range of legal and ethical issues related to nursing practice in palliative care;
* research the availability of resources and structure of different palliative care services in Victoria.
Entrance requirements
To be eligible for admission to the course, an applicant would normally:
* be a registered nurse with a current practising certificate;
* have had one-year post-basic experience;
* be working in the area of palliative care;
* have satisfactorily completed a course leading to the award of degree or diploma.
The school recognises that many professional nurses have not had the opportunity to gain formal qualifications at degree or diploma level. For this reason special entry to the course may be available for registered nurses who do not hold degrees or diplomas who have had extensive nursing experience and academic ability.
Course content
To be advised.