Palliative care plays a vital role in healthcare, focusing on improving the quality of life for patients with serious, life-limiting illnesses. The OSHAA 30-Hour Professional Diploma in Palliative Care Nursing is designed to equip healthcare professionals with the essential skills and knowledge to provide compassionate, patient-centred care.
This course covers key aspects of palliative care, including pain and symptom management, psychological support, communication techniques, and ethical considerations. It prepares nurses and caregivers to address the complex physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of patients and their families, ensuring dignity and comfort in end-of-life care.
Palliative care nursing is essential in hospitals, hospices, care homes, and community settings. It helps patients manage symptoms, reduces distress, and provides emotional support to both patients and their families. Effective palliative care ensures that individuals with chronic or terminal illnesses receive the best possible comfort, dignity, and respect during their final stages of life.
The OSHAA 30-Hour Professional Diploma in Palliative Care Nursing is an essential course for healthcare professionals seeking to enhance their skills in end-of-life care. With a focus on patient-centred support, pain management, and compassionate communication, this diploma prepares individuals to provide high-quality palliative care in various healthcare settings.
OSHAA 30-Hours Professional Diploma in Palliative Care Nursing
Study Units
Learning Outcomes
Introduction to Palliative Care Nursing (2 Hours)
- Understand the principles and philosophy of palliative care.
- Recognise the role of palliative care nurses in improving patients’ quality of life.
- Identify the differences between palliative care and curative treatment.
Pain and Symptom Management (5 Hours)
- Learn effective pain assessment and management techniques.
- Understand different types of pain and their treatment options.
- Develop skills in managing symptoms such as nausea, breathlessness, and fatigue.
- Explore pharmacological and non-pharmacological approaches to symptom relief.
Psychological and Emotional Support in Palliative Care (4 Hours)
- Recognise the psychological challenges faced by patients and families.
- Learn strategies for providing emotional and mental health support.
- Understand the impact of palliative care on patients’ mental well-being.
- Explore coping mechanisms for dealing with grief, anxiety, and depression.
Communication in Palliative Care (3 Hours)
- Develop effective communication skills for discussing sensitive topics.
- Learn how to support patients and families through difficult conversations.
- Understand the importance of active listening and empathy in palliative care.
- Recognise the role of non-verbal communication in patient interactions.
Ethical and Legal Considerations in End-of-Life Care (4 Hours)
- Understand key ethical principles in palliative care.
- Learn about patient rights, informed consent, and advance care planning.
- Explore legal frameworks surrounding end-of-life decision-making.
- Recognise the ethical dilemmas faced by healthcare professionals in palliative care.
Spiritual and Cultural Aspects of Palliative Care (3 Hours)
- Recognise the importance of spirituality in end-of-life care.
- Understand different cultural beliefs and practices related to death and dying.
- Learn how to provide culturally competent and spiritually sensitive care.
- Explore ways to support patients’ spiritual needs in palliative care settings.
Family Support and Bereavement Care (5 Hours)
- Learn how to support families during and after a patient’s passing.
- Understand the stages of grief and how they impact bereaved individuals.
- Develop skills in providing counselling and bereavement support.
- Recognise the role of palliative care teams in helping families cope with loss.
Self-Care for Palliative Care Professionals (4 Hours)
- Understand the emotional impact of working in palliative care.
- Learn stress management and self-care strategies for healthcare professionals.
- Recognise signs of burnout and compassion fatigue.
- Develop resilience and coping mechanisms to maintain well-being in the workplace.
- Enhanced Patient Care Skills – Gain specialised knowledge in providing compassionate, patient-centred palliative care.
- Expertise in Pain and Symptom Management – Learn effective strategies for alleviating discomfort and improving quality of life.
- Improved Communication Skills – Develop the ability to engage with patients and families with empathy and sensitivity.
- Psychological and Emotional Support Techniques – Understand how to address the mental health challenges faced by patients and their loved ones.
- Legal and Ethical Awareness – Learn about patient rights, end-of-life care planning, and ethical decision-making in palliative settings.
- Cultural and Spiritual Competence – Understand diverse beliefs and practices to provide culturally sensitive care.
- Family and Bereavement Support Skills – Gain expertise in guiding families through grief and bereavement care.
- Workplace Readiness – Develop practical skills applicable in hospitals, hospices, care homes, and community healthcare settings.
- Career Advancement Opportunities – Enhance job prospects in palliative care, hospice nursing, and community healthcare roles.
- Self-Care and Professional Resilience – Learn strategies to prevent burnout and maintain emotional well-being in palliative care nursing.
- Recognition in the Healthcare Industry – Obtain a professional qualification that demonstrates expertise in palliative care nursing.
- Pathway for Further Studies – Use this diploma as a foundation for advanced studies in palliative care and nursing specialisations.
The OSHAA 30-Hour Professional Diploma in Palliative Care Nursing is designed for individuals working in or aspiring to work in palliative and end-of-life care. This course is ideal for:
- Registered Nurses and Nursing Assistants – Professionals involved in providing care to patients with life-limiting illnesses.
- Healthcare Assistants and Caregivers – Those working in hospitals, hospices, care homes, and community settings.
- Hospice and Palliative Care Workers – Individuals who specialise in providing comfort and support to terminally ill patients.
- Social Workers and Counsellors – Professionals supporting patients and families with emotional and psychological care.
- Medical Professionals – Doctors and allied healthcare workers seeking to enhance their knowledge of palliative care.
- Volunteers and Community Health Workers – Individuals involved in supporting palliative care patients in charitable or community settings.
- Students and Aspiring Healthcare Professionals – Those looking to enter the field of palliative nursing and develop a strong foundation in patient care.
This course is suitable for both experienced healthcare professionals and those new to palliative care who wish to build their expertise in providing compassionate, high-quality end-of-life care.
