Any person who has been in need of a palliative care for a loved one knows the life changing role this person plays in the medical community. Working in palliative care is much like working in home health care in terms of the skills and tasks you perform, but it takes a special person to be there in this delicate time of the patient’s life. Beyond caring for the patient’s medical needs, you also are a key emotional support pillar for the patient and the family members.
Palliative care is a specialized team of professionals who focus on assisting those with a serious illness.
While many times the care comes in the form of hospice, or end-of-life care, it can be used at any stage of an illness, including alongside a curative treatment.
Become a Palliative Care Team Member
Most palliative care team members are CNAs and CMAs due to the nature of the work. You are responsible for providing relief from the symptoms of their illness and monitoring their reactions to medication changes. The number one goal is to improve the quality of life of your patient and make them as comfortable as possible. Some tasks you may perform are:
- Monitoring and recording vital signs
- Administering medications
- Feeding the patient and maintaining hydration levels
- Cleaning the patient and changing bed linens
Are you ready to make a difference?
- Not sure where to start, try the Personal Care Assistant course.
- Become a Certified Nursing Assistant
- Register to be Certified Medication Aide
