Palliative care nurses work in interdisciplinary teams and coordinate care in consultation with clients, their carers and other team members. Palliative care can be provided in homes (including nursing homes), hospitals and in hospices. Nurses working in other specialty areas, such as oncology, aged care, ICU, or community care may want to consider incorporating a palliative approach to the care they provide. A palliative approach aims to improve the quality of life for individual with a life-limiting illness and their families. Referral to a specialist palliative care service generally occurs to help with assessment and treatment of complex symptoms experienced by the individual.

There are a variety of pathways that can lead you into palliative care nursing. After receiving your registrations as a nurse, you can seek out employment in palliative care agencies which can include community palliative care and in-patient hospices. These services generally offer specific education and skill development opportunities.

There are also a number of short courses and post-graduate courses available with a focus on palliative care nursing.

Palliative care nursing is available across all care delivery sites: acute hospitals, community, psychiatric, and aged care. Whether you wish to work in rural areas or large cities you will find employment as a palliative care nurse if you have the skills, knowledge and attitude to work with individuals and families facing a life limiting illness and are willing to be a part of the interdisciplinary team. The palliative care service providers are listed on the Palliative Care State groups.

If you would like to share your story as a palliative care nurse so that others may understand the roles and opportunities in palliative care please send us an email.