Scientific Sessions

Hospice and palliative nursing is a specialized field of nursing that focuses on providing compassionate, patient-centered care to individuals with life-limiting illnesses, as well as support to their families. The primary goal is to improve the quality of life, manage symptoms effectively, and ensure comfort, dignity, and emotional well-being during advanced stages of illness. Palliative care can be provided at any stage of a serious illness, alongside curative treatments, while hospice care specifically supports patients in the final phase of life when curative treatment is no longer the focus. Nurses in this field play a vital role in assessing symptoms, managing pain, coordinating care, and offering psychological, social, and spiritual support. They collaborate closely with physicians, social workers, chaplains, and other healthcare professionals to develop individualized care plans that align with the patient’s values, preferences, and cultural beliefs.

In hospice and palliative nursing, communication and empathy are as important as clinical expertise. These nurses act as advocates for patients, ensuring that their wishes are respected and that care decisions are made collaboratively. They also provide guidance and education to families, helping them understand the disease process, manage caregiving responsibilities, and cope with emotional challenges. Beyond physical symptom control, the care approach addresses emotional distress, anxiety, depression, and existential concerns, creating a holistic support system. In addition, hospice and palliative nurses often assist in advance care planning, including living wills and do-not-resuscitate (DNR) orders, to ensure patients receive care aligned with their end-of-life goals. This field requires resilience, compassion, and cultural sensitivity, as nurses navigate complex situations with grace and professionalism. Ultimately, hospice and palliative nursing is not only about easing the physical burdens of illness but also about fostering peace, dignity, and meaningful connections during one of life’s most vulnerable stages.