It might appear simple to claim one has possession of these competencies yet, a breakdown in communication and the ability to discern the patients mental and physical condition will render health care incapable of fulfilling any of the competencies stated by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing. The palliative care nurse who is well educated and trained will know that prior to the progressive stages of the disease, the patient and family members, as well as the nurse must commit to a plan used for communication. It cannot be stressed how critically important it is that communication methods be anticipated by all parties. If the nurse is competent then palliative care specialists may be unnecessary and this is optimal in that extra involvement from unknown care staff during the end-of-life period is often stressful to both the patient and their family members. The nurse who possesses the stated competencies...

And Coyle, Nessa (2002) an Overview of Palliative Nursing Care. American Journal of Nursing May 2002 Vol. 102 No. 5
Peaceful Death: Recommended Competencies and Curricular Guidelines for End-of Life Nursing Care (1998) American Association of Colleges of Nursing Feb. 1998. Online available at http://www.aacn.nche.edu/Education/deathfin.htm

Kristjanson, Linda J.; Toye, Christine; and Dawson, Sky (2003) New Dimensions in Palliative Care: A Palliative Approach to Neurodegenerative Diseases and Final Illness…