CPD reflective account ALAMY
managed and that medications are available to relieve symptoms and reduce anxiety. Collaboration with specialist multidisciplinary teams may be required. Effective care planning includes regular discussions with patients and families to establish any changes in their requirements.
Emotional support
End of life care A CPD article improved Rebekah Richardson’s knowledge of the role of end of life care in achieving a good death After reading this CPD article, I reflected on my delivery of end of life care during a clinical practice placement. To help patients achieve a ‘good death’, they should be supported in their choices at the end of life in relation to preferred place of death, pain and symptom management, and the involvement of people who are important to them. Patients’ physical, emotional, spiritual and social care should be tailored to meet individual needs and the patient should be included in all decision making. Offering people choices in their care helps to empower them and give them some control. It is important that nurses identify the patient’s needs by establishing what is important to them and therefore help them to achieve their wishes. Nurses should be honest with patients about what to expect in their final days of life, and psychological support should be offered. Signs indicating that death is approaching include reduced
hydration and nutrition requirements, and increased respiratory tract secretions. Recognising these signs gives families a chance to prepare themselves. Informal carers such as family members can be under severe strain during the final days. As a loved one’s needs increase, physical and emotional stress can affect their memories of that person. Nurses can provide support to the family and friends at this distressing time. Patients and their families should be assured that symptoms associated with end of life can be
This reflective account is based on NS738 Sherwen E (2014) Improving end of life care for adults. Nursing Standard. 28, 32, 51-57.
Providing end of life care creates emotional challenges and nurses should reflect on their own feelings. I was reassured that showing empathy within professional boundaries is acceptable. End of life care continues after death, and patients want to know that their loved ones are going to be cared for after their death. Discussions should be held with the patient before death about their preferences relating to the body. Supporting loved ones to participate in caring for the body after death is encouraged. Nurses can provide psychological support during the bereavement process. This article has increased my awareness of the complex challenges of caring for patients at the end of their lives. The preferences and priorities of the patient at the end of life should be accommodated wherever possible to ensure a ‘good death’ NS Rebekah Richardson is a nursing student at the University of Cumbria, Carlisle
Write your own reflective account You can gain a certificate of learning by reading a Nursing Standard CPD article and writing a reflective account. Turn to page 52 for this week’s article and on page 62 you can find out how to present and submit your reflective account.
Visit the RCN Learning Zone The RCN Learning Zone is a FREE online service to help RCN members with their continuing professional development and professional portfolio management. The RCN Learning Zone can be found at www.rcn.org.uk/members/learningzone.php
NURSING november 26other :: voluses 29 no 13 :: permission. 2014 61 DownloadedSTANDARD from RCNi.com by ${individualUser.displayName} on Nov 14, 2015. For personal use only. No without Copyright © 2015 RCNi Ltd. All rights reserved.
managed and that medications are available to relieve symptoms and reduce anxiety. Collaboration with specialist multidisciplinary teams may be required. Effective care planning includes regular discussions with patients and families to establish any changes in their requirements.
Emotional support
End of life care A CPD article improved Rebekah Richardson’s knowledge of the role of end of life care in achieving a good death After reading this CPD article, I reflected on my delivery of end of life care during a clinical practice placement. To help patients achieve a ‘good death’, they should be supported in their choices at the end of life in relation to preferred place of death, pain and symptom management, and the involvement of people who are important to them. Patients’ physical, emotional, spiritual and social care should be tailored to meet individual needs and the patient should be included in all decision making. Offering people choices in their care helps to empower them and give them some control. It is important that nurses identify the patient’s needs by establishing what is important to them and therefore help them to achieve their wishes. Nurses should be honest with patients about what to expect in their final days of life, and psychological support should be offered. Signs indicating that death is approaching include reduced
hydration and nutrition requirements, and increased respiratory tract secretions. Recognising these signs gives families a chance to prepare themselves. Informal carers such as family members can be under severe strain during the final days. As a loved one’s needs increase, physical and emotional stress can affect their memories of that person. Nurses can provide support to the family and friends at this distressing time. Patients and their families should be assured that symptoms associated with end of life can be
This reflective account is based on NS738 Sherwen E (2014) Improving end of life care for adults. Nursing Standard. 28, 32, 51-57.
Providing end of life care creates emotional challenges and nurses should reflect on their own feelings. I was reassured that showing empathy within professional boundaries is acceptable. End of life care continues after death, and patients want to know that their loved ones are going to be cared for after their death. Discussions should be held with the patient before death about their preferences relating to the body. Supporting loved ones to participate in caring for the body after death is encouraged. Nurses can provide psychological support during the bereavement process. This article has increased my awareness of the complex challenges of caring for patients at the end of their lives. The preferences and priorities of the patient at the end of life should be accommodated wherever possible to ensure a ‘good death’ NS Rebekah Richardson is a nursing student at the University of Cumbria, Carlisle
Write your own reflective account You can gain a certificate of learning by reading a Nursing Standard CPD article and writing a reflective account. Turn to page 52 for this week’s article and on page 62 you can find out how to present and submit your reflective account.
Visit the RCN Learning Zone The RCN Learning Zone is a FREE online service to help RCN members with their continuing professional development and professional portfolio management. The RCN Learning Zone can be found at www.rcn.org.uk/members/learningzone.php
NURSING november 26other :: voluses 29 no 13 :: permission. 2014 61 DownloadedSTANDARD from RCNi.com by ${individualUser.displayName} on Nov 14, 2015. For personal use only. No without Copyright © 2015 RCNi Ltd. All rights reserved.
