Many, especially newer, nurses lack the experience for nuanced skillful communication at end of life. This study incorporated the End-of-Life Nursing Education Consortium (ELNEC) Core Curriculum Communication module into a nurse residency program and tested for change in attitudes toward end-of-life (EOL) care. Researchers found significant differences in attitudes toward care of the dying before and after the ELNEC training, and between nurses with greater than and less than 5 years experience. Findings support that ELNEC education can significantly impact nurse attitudes about EOL care.
Sondra B. Lee, DNP, FNP-C, is an oncology nurse practitioner, with 22 years' experience in critical care and education. She is an End-of-Life Nursing Education Consortium Trainer.
Jeffery W. Forehand, PhD(c), DNP, RN-BC, CNE, is director and professor at Troy University School of Nursing, Troy, Alabama.
Judith L. St. Onge, PhD, RN, has 40 years' experience in military and federal clinical nursing and education.
Kristi A. Acker, DNP, RN, serves on the multidisciplinary State Advisory Council on Palliative Care and nationally, on the Hospice and Palliative Nurses Association Graduate Nursing Faculty Advisory Committee.
The authors declare no conflict of interest.
Accepted by peer-review 11/6/2017.
