Paliative care as an integral part of nursing care

Abstract

Palliative care involves a holistic approach in the treatment of patients with terminal illness with the aim of achieving the best possible quality of life and support for the patient and his family. It involves teamwork and the greatest responsibility is on the nurses because they spend the most time with patients and their family. Nursing interventions are aimed at early identification and treatment of pain and other psychological, physical and social suffering of this patients. In order for the nurse to successfully respond to all the challenges of daily work, it's necessary that she owns professional competencies which include communication, collaboration with other team members,understanding the disease and supporting the patient and family during of the illness.