Acute and Critical Care Nurses' Perceptions of Palliative Care Competencies: A Pilot Study

White, Kenneth R; Roczen, Marisa L; Coyne, Patrick J; Wiencek, Clareen.The Journal

of Continuing Education in Nursing; Thorofare Vol. 45, Iss. 6, (Jun 2014): 265-
77.DOI:10.3928/00220124-20140528-01

Competency development among acute and critical care nurses has focused primarily
on the provision of life-sustaining care and less on the care of patients who fail to
respond to life-prolonging treatments. Examining nurses' beliefs, perceptions, and
experiences with patients' palliative care needs may improve continuing education
programs, practice resources, educational curricula, and professional nursing practice.
Survey methodology was used to conduct this pilot study. Forty-nine nurses completed
a 33-item survey instrument in 2012. Respondents consisted of nurses attending
a critical care continuing education event and graduate nursing students in
an acute care nurse practitioner program. Statistical tests were used to examine
differences in perceived importance of core competencies in palliative care. Findings
from this study demonstrate variation in palliative care knowledge and perceived relative
importance of core competencies needed in palliative care practice. This study provides
preliminary data about knowledge differences among different nursing groups and a
foundation for further study.

Reaction:

This study tells about the importance of continuing study of acute and critical care of
nurses. The more we continuing study about acute and critical care for clients we
become more knowledgeable and updated about it. The more we study the more we
gather or gain knowledge and tips or ways to care acute or critical clients. We can
improve our skills, knowledge and ability to make our work easier and faster.