Authors

  1. NORLANDER, LINDA MS, RN
  2. McSTEEN, KERSTIN BSN, RN, CHPN

Abstract

Home care and hospice nurses are uniquely positioned to facilitate early discussions about patient's care wishes and goals at the end of life. This article presents a definition of advance care planning, why it is important, a model for facilitating the discussion, suggestions for overcoming barriers, and tools to assist nurses in feeling more comfortable integrating the subject into daily practice.