Had a great experience attending a conference through City of Hope that explored how to establish and develop an effective Palliative Care program. Dr. Ira Byock was there and gave a very inspirational speech. He identified that the medical model is inadequate when caring for the terminally ill and dying because the care must be personal. What a great way to explain the difference in care that must be provided, and personal includes not just the patient but their family and the care givers involved with care. The whole concept addresses the need for listening, compassion, empathy and the importance of personalizing care.

I sincerely believe nurses must step up in their role as patient advocates and function in a primary palliative care provider role which differs from the Primary Care Specialist. Nurses must become well trained and compassionate primary Palliative Care providers. We have our work cut out for us.