Palliative care: could it be the nursing role for you?

An experienced Marie Curie nurse explains the skills involved in supporting patients and the career opportunities, including for newly registered nurses

Palliative care offers person-centred support to people living with a terminal illness, addressing the physical, emotional and practical needs of patients at any point after a terminal diagnosis.

What are the elements of palliative care?

Palliative care focuses on:

• Managing patients’ symptoms.
• Offering emotional, spiritual and psychological support.
• Offering practical support, such as planning for the future and getting any equipment needed.
• Helping patients have a good quality of life.

Nurses and healthcare assistants