Dear Subscriber,

The CE feature in the August issue of Nursing Management is one not to be missed. Some of us routinely care for patients at the end of their lives, while for others, it is a rare occurrence that we care for someone who is dying. In either case, it is important that, as nurses, we have an understanding of what end-of-life care entails. Several passages in Managing Care At The End Of Life caused me to stop and think, “Yes, that is end-of-life care,” but this description of the Peaceful End-of-Life Theory, from Ruland and Moore (1998) really makes it clear:

“This theory isn't specifically focused on the instance of dying itself, but rather it defines peaceful and meaningful living during the time that remains for those near the end of life.”

You can read more on this topic by exploring the articles in More Resources. Among these articles you’ll find good information about communicating with patients, families, and colleagues about end-of-life care; a personal account of an end-of-life experience with a child; and several resources both for you and the patients for whom you care.

Managing Care At The End Of Life Life-Support Interventions at the End of Life: Unintended Consequences “Am I Going To Die, Aunt Deborah?” End-of-Life Discussion in Assisted Living Facilities Family Perspectives on End-of-Life Care: A Metasynthesis Interdisciplinary Education on Discussing End-of-Life Care Prognostic Communication of Critical Care Nurses and Physicians at End of Life

Sincerely,

Lisa Bonsall, MSN, RN, CRNP
Clinical Editor

Ruland C.M., Moore S.M. (1998). Theory construction based on standards of care: a proposed theory of the peaceful end of life. Nursing Outlook, 46(4).

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