The Palliative APRN in the Medical, Surgical, and Geriatrics Patient Care Unit

This chapter discusses the specialized role of the palliative care advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) in the ever-changing acute care environment. More than 50% of all deaths occur in medical, surgical, and oncology units where the focus is on active, curative treatment, not on managing symptoms and establishing realistic goals of care. Palliative APRNs are uniquely qualified to care for seriously ill patients by providing comprehensive, effective, compassionate, and cost-effective care that improves end-of-life care in acute care settings. Care must be focused on patients with common conditions, including end-stage renal disease dementia, hip fractures, and oncological conditions and their associated sequalae.