The Hospice and Palliative Care Certificate program provides learners with the knowledge and skills needed in providing health care for those who are experiencing severe illness or those who are at the end of their lives. Such care requires a compassionate, loyal, motivated caregiver with an interest in serving the community. Hospice is a health care specialty that involves the treatment of some of the most seriously ill patients. This Hospice and Palliative Care Certificate program is perfect for allied health care professionals who want to specialize in this extremely important and vital service. It is also perfect for nurses, rehabilitation professionals, medical assistants, nursing assistants, pharmacists, social workers, and clergy members.
Program Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the Hospice and Palliative Care Certificate program, learners should be proficient in:
- Understanding the key elements of palliative care and hospice care.
- Performing discipline-specific assessments, and participating in clinical decision-making.
- Managing pain and other symptoms associated with severe illness and life-limiting illness.
- Exploring the complex ethical controversies associated with the hospice patient.
- Identifying the psychosocial, cultural, and spiritual needs of palliative and hospice patients.
- Possessing an understanding of bereavement and coping processes.
- Identifying the signs of burnout and understanding how to avoid compassion fatigue.
Modules
- Key Elements, Assessment and Clinical Decision-Making
- Managing Pain and Other Symptoms
- Specific Disease Processes
- Psychosocial, Cultural, and Spiritual Issues
- Family & the Care Team
- Burnout and Compassion Fatigue
- Certification Preparation (Optional for RNs, LPNs, and nursing assistants)
Note: The certification examination is not included in this certificate program. Learners can pursue such certification independently should they desire to do so.