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“As a Nursing Manager in a Residential Aged Care Home (RACH) on the Gold Coast, I have become increasingly aware of the vital role palliative care plays in our daily practice. My role also involves providing mentorship and support to fellow clinicians, which has deepened my understanding of the importance of this specialised care. I was fortunate to receive a full scholarship through Gold Coast Primary Health Network to complete a Graduate Certificate in Palliative Care, a unique opportunity for both myself and my team.
Palliative care is crucial in RACHs, particularly since many residents choose to receive it in this setting. However, not all clinicians are fully equipped to understand the complexities of palliative care, including symptom management and the development of appropriate care plans. Several factors contribute to this gap in knowledge. One of the biggest challenges is the difficulty of initiating conversations about palliative or end-of-life care, especially for staff who have never encountered these situations. For many, broaching these topics can feel intimidating.
Additionally, a lack of understanding of palliative care among patients and their families can present challenges when implementing palliative care in RACH settings. I frequently encounter situations where patients and families question whether we can provide end-of-life or palliative care. To address these issues and bridge the knowledge gap, one suggestion is the implementation of collaborative case conferences. Involving medical officers, allied health workers, the family and the patient in these discussions is essential to ensure everyone is on the same page and that the patient’s care plan aligns with their needs and preferences.
Collaboration between RACHs and local funded programs, such as SPACE, RaSS, PallConsult and GP clinics, is also essential. Through each referral and interaction, nurses can gain more knowledge in palliative care, therapeutic communication and medication management. However, not all organisations have senior educators specialised in palliative care. Therefore, seeking out funded resources and fostering communication with the medical team can greatly benefit both patients and staff.
After successfully completing the Graduate Certificate in Palliative Care, I was able to enrol in the Master of Nurse Practitioner program. I am excited to continue my journey in palliative care and hope to work even more closely with clinics and RACHs to improve palliative care and end-of-life care for residents in these settings.”
Written by Regina Huang
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