End of Life Simulation Training for Registered Nurses

Background: Nurses are not adequately trained in evidence-based end-of-life (EOL) care. The lack of knowledge can negatively impact the patients, families, and nursing staff. During EOL, the symptom burden is high, and the emotions of families and staff caring for these patients maybe stressful and challenging. For hospitals, determining what the most effective and efficientmethod to educate nurses on end-of-life care can be challenging. Purpose: The purpose of this evidence-based practice project is to improve EOL knowledge and care of the patients and families in clinical nurses by viewing a simulation training video. Methods: Prior to implementation of the project an EOL simulation video using live actors was developed based on the CARES tool. CARES is a pneumonic for comfort, airway, restlessness,emotional and spiritual support and self-care. The CARES tool is designed to help nurses stay focused and provide a method to account for the necessary tasks to address during the last fewdays to hours of a patient’s life. All clinical nurses were asked to participate in this voluntary project. The clinical nurses had the ability to view the video as a group or as individuals. The project consisted of Lazenby’s End of Life Professional Caregiver Survey. A 28-item Likert scale tool was used to measure outcomes in this pre and post-test design. The survey was administered before and immediately following viewing the video. A total of 70 nurses participated in the project. Analysis: Median of each item was analyzed pre and post survey noted improvement in 24 outof 28 survey questions. Overall median improvement was 2.55-2.90 respectively. Results: This EOL simulation video overall increased the knowledge of EOL for clinical nurses to improve care and confidence when caring for patients and families during this life-changing event.D.N.P., Nursing Practice -- Drexel University, 201