The Palliative APRN in the Community Setting

Abstract

Community-based palliative care is developing rapidly, with increasing diversity in program design and reimbursement structures. Yet many patients living with serious illness still lack access to reliable community-based palliative services in their homes. Advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) possess a unique skill set and are able to meet the complex needs of seriously ill patients and their families. APRNs are leaders in developing and providing community-based palliative care. In addition to expertise in comprehensive and holistic assessment skills, expert-level pain and symptom management, and advanced communication skills, the APRN needs to have an understanding of program structure and sustainability. The work of APRNs in community-based palliative care needs to be supported and the barriers to practicing at the highest level of ability and scope of practice need to be removed for the preservation of the role and to benefit patients with serious illness.