Learning Objective #1: Compare and contrast the nurse practitioner and clinical nurse specialist roles within an interdisciplinary Palliative Care Team

Learning Objective #2: Identify two patient care, staff education, or system improvements facilitated by palliative care advanced practice nurses

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In the time of medical marvels and modern technology, Americans are now living longer with chronic illnesses. With this trend in America, there is an increased need for pain and symptom management. A 2002 position statement from American Nursing Leaders stated that "Advanced Practice Nursing specialists with expertise in palliative care represent a critical resource for meeting the needs of dying Americans." Advanced practice nurses are key members of the newly developed palliative interdisciplinary team at the Medical Center of Central Georgia. This 637 bed acute care, not for profit organization identified the need for an intensified palliative care service, and soon realized that APNs possessed both the knowledge and expertise to promote quality of life and dying. A NP and CNS coordinate the assessment, plan of care, and utilization of the interdisciplinary team to meet the complex physical, spiritual, and psychosocial needs of patients and their families. The nurse practitioner specializes in treatment of symptoms in terminal and chronically ill patients located both in the special Palliative Care Unit and throughout the hospital. Through daily rounds on these patients and educates families to identify their goals of patient care within the acute care setting and upon discharge. The NP and CNS roles overlap with intense patient family conferences, discharge planning, collaborating recommendations. The CNS focuses on education and leadership of palliative care principles and symptom management through bedside teaching and consultation with staff and physicians. She promotes evidenced based practices to improve palliative care within the organization. Throughout their daily practices, the APNs have facilitated improvements in communication among care providers, and clarification of Resucitation Status and goals of care. With their extensive knowledge in the area, the APN practice has proven to decrease length stay, increase patient and family satisfaction, and promote quality care in this patient population.