Keywords

death and dying, end of life, hospice, nursing education, service learning

 

Authors

  1. Jeffers, Stephanie PhD, RN
  2. Ferry, Dawn MSN, RN, CHSE

Abstract

An elective course titled "Nursing Care at the End of Life" was designed for fourth-year nursing students in a baccalaureate nursing program. This course, taught by the authors, was designed to teach students about caring for the dying patient. Students were required to complete service learning with patients in a hospice or hospital setting. Students reported having a positive learning experience and gaining new knowledge and a deeper understanding of the needs of dying patients and their families.