What should a nurse teach a newly licensed nurse about the objectives of hospice care?

A crucial aspect of hospice care is that it aims to improve the quality of life and provide comfort for patients who are facing a terminal illness. This type of care is centered around symptom management, emotional support, and assistance with end-of-life planning, rather than attempting to cure the illness. Hospice care emphasizes palliative treatment and reducing suffering, ensuring that patients can spend their final days in a manner that aligns with their values and preferences, often within their own homes or in a comfortable setting.

In teaching a newly licensed nurse about hospice care, it's essential to highlight that it is designed for individuals diagnosed with a life-limiting illness, regardless of the specific condition. This clarification dispels the common misconceptions about the exclusivity of hospice care to certain diseases or treatment approaches.