What Is a Palliative Care Nurse Practitioner?

A palliative care nurse practitioner is an advanced practice nurse who specializes in managing the symptoms of serious illnesses while also addressing the psychological and practical needs of his patients and their families. The scope of practice of a palliative care nurse practitioner varies by jurisdiction, but may include providing ongoing health care services to patients, with an emphasis on relieving pain and helping patients to develop ways of coping with debilitating symptoms so that they can maintain a high quality of life for as long as possible. If it becomes clear that a person's condition will eventually result in death, the palliative care nurse practitioner may provide assistance in making various types of end-of-life decisions. It should be noted, however, that palliative care is not restricted to patients who have terminal conditions and is not the same as hospice care, which is typically reserved for those who are expected to die within six months and does not have recovery as its goal.

A nurse practitioner is a registered nurse who has completed additional health care training, typically a master's or doctoral degree in a nursing specialization. The scope of practice of a nurse practitioner is typically much larger than that of non-advanced nurses. Depending on the jurisdiction in which he works, a nurse practitioner may be able to prescribe certain medications, diagnose illnesses, and order medical tests. The education and training of a palliative care nurse practitioner prepares him for specifically treating those who are suffering from severe pain or symptoms that make it difficult to function. The nurse practitioner can perform the medical assessments necessary to determine a plan of care that can best address the patient's needs.

During the care of a seriously ill patient, the palliative care nurse practitioner typically must adjust her approach as the patient's condition changes. She will also work with the patient's other health care team members, including doctors and caretakers, to ensure that the patient's care plan respects the patient's need for pain relief. In situations where a patient's condition is expected to improve with appropriate care, the nurse practitioner can assess the various treatments that a patient might receive, such as chemotherapy, and adjust the patient's treatment to help mitigate nausea and other unpleasant side effects. If the patient's condition begins to decline, the course of treatment will be adjusted so that the patient can make the most of the time that he or she has left.