General provisions

The course consists of theoretical studies and is included in the specialist nursing programme with focus on oncology care 60 credits.

Entry requirements

Successful completion of the course Specific nursing with a specialisation in palliative care l.

Learning outcomes

On completion of the course, the student will be able to: Knowledge and understanding

• demonstrate advanced knowledge in palliative care/nursing.
• describe the existential needs and various forms of supports and the concept of post-traumatic stress
• describe spiritual and existential coping strategies and various types of normal and pathological grief reactions and forms of support
• demonstrate a thorough knowledge about children and grief
• thoroughly describe and specify methods and strategies for: - various forms of survivor's pension and - guidance and counselling of the palliative nursing

Skills and ability

• Critically review and report on research in palliative medicine /nursing, including ethical and research aspects
• process and analyse qualitative data
• apply educational models in oral presentations and teaching

Judgement and approach

• demonstrate a deeper ability to identify and reflect on ethical issues in research with palliative care issues
• analyse and reflect on the importance of alleviating suffering and utilizing the patient's autonomy
• reflect on the importance of the existential needs of the individuals' and how an empathetic and professional support can be given to patients and families/close relations

Content

Grief and survivors' benefits

Children and grief

Counselling/guidance in palliative nursing care

Team work and supervision

Evidence-based symptom control in the final stage of life

Existential needs and supports to patients and families/close relations in palliative nursing care

Research in palliative nursing with an emphasis on ethical and research-oriented problems

Theories of a good death

Spiritual and existential coping

Ethical aspects in palliative nursing care

Post-traumatic stress

Health care education

Instruction

Literature studies (reading thesis in palliative nursing), lectures, seminars, web-based education, workshop and independently writing report.

COMPULSORY PARTS

Introduction to course, scheduled group meetings, seminars, study assignments with written and oral presentation.

Assessment

Examination of the course's objectives is continuous throughout the course in the form of oral and written information - examinations individually and in groups

At group examination the student shall participate actively with knowledge and reflection.

Passing the course requires:

• passed report
• passed active participation in the examination seminar
• passed active participation in the workshop on processing of qualitative data
• passed active participation in compulsory parts

Other directives

A students who has failed the examination may retake the exam four times (= total of five examinations) After five failed examinations, the student may lose his guaranteed place in the education. The undergraduate education committee however may, if special circumstances apply, admit the right to additional examination. Every time the student participates in an examination counts. Submission of so called "blank" exam is counted as examination.

In accordance with chapter 6, sections 21-22 in the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100) the student has the right on request to change examiner after two failed examinations.