Practice settings

Palliative care nursing in specific settings of practice

Nurses practice in settings with different populations with different needs. This is also true in palliative care. The following pages provide a brief overview and connect you to resources that may be of help based on your setting of practice.

Aged care

Refers to care provided to older people in their own home or in an aged care facility. Palliative care provided in these settings is often coordinated by General Practitioners (GPs) and Community/ Residential Care Nurses.

Hospital

In institution providing treatment to patients with specialised medical equipment and medical and nursing staff. Palliative care will take place throughout the hospital wards. Some hospitals have a hospice attached that provide specialist palliative care services and end of life care.

Oncology

Is a field of medicine that deals with the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer. Palliative care teams work together with oncology teams to manage and maintain the best possible quality of life for the patient.

Paediatrics

Paediatric palliative care services provide support to families caring for a child with life limiting illness. The care is tailored to each family’s individual needs.

Primary care / community

Community-based GPs and Community Nurses coordinate and provide palliative care in the home as part of a healthcare team.

Rural and remote

Rural and remote palliative care involves working in geographical and professional isolation. Palliative care is often community led by the General Practitioner who will work as part of a team with nurses and other health professionals.