AACN joins national, state and community organizations in support of NHDD

Because critical care nurses are often among those caring for patients during their final days, the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) joins national, state and community organizations in support of the third annual National Healthcare Decisions Day (NHDD) on Friday, April 16, 2010.

The grassroots event — coordinated by National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO), Alexandria, Va. — raises awareness for individual healthcare planning and decision making. NHPCO encourages Americans to use advance directive forms, legal documents to provide patient instructions about preferred medical and treatment decisions. Justine Medina, AACN director, professional practice and programs, says making proactive healthcare decisions enhances care delivery for patients and providers.

"Patients who make their wishes known before hospitalization relieve families of making difficult decisions in the absence of clear guidance. This makes facilities and nurses better equipped to advance plan before a crisis and honor patient wishes when the time comes," she explains.

Palliative and end-of-life care represent two of the most stressful areas of nursing practice, with complex care issues and emotional challenges. AACN offers resources to help nurses who care for families and dying patients including:
•"Promoting Excellence in Palliative & End-of-Life Care," a double-award-winning interactive e-learning course, addresses symptom management and comfort care; communication and conflict resolution; and withdrawing and withholding life support.
•AACN Protocols for Practice: Palliative Care and End-of-Life Issues in Critical Care, a handy 59-page book, includes evidence-based case studies, information about competencies, ethical considerations, occupational hazards, research and recommendations.
•Palliative Care Nursing: Quality Care to the End-of-Life, now in its third edition, combines disease modification with supportive, compassionate therapies.
•To Comfort Always: A Nurse's Guide to End-of-Life Care offers insights into the emotional and physical care dying patients and their families need.