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According to a 2019 study published in the journal “JAMA Internal Medicine,” only 28% of Americans die at home. The study also found that black and Hispanic Americans are less likely to die at home than white Americans.

As a nurse, there are a number of things you can do to support your patients regarding end-of-life care in accordance with their wishes. Some of the most important things you can do include:

• Talk to your patients about their end-of-life care preferences: It is important to have open and honest conversations with your patients about their wishes for end-of-life care. This will help you to ensure that their wishes are respected and that they receive the care that they want.
• Educate your patients and their families about palliative care and hospice programs: Palliative care and hospice programs can provide valuable support to patients and their families at the end of life. It is important to educate your patients and their families about these programs so that they can make informed decisions about their care.
• Advocate for your patients’ end-of-life care preferences: If your patients’ end-of-life care preferences are not being respected, you can advocate for them by speaking to their other healthcare providers or by contacting a patient advocate.

Here are some additional evidence-based strategies for supporting patients with end-of-life care:

• Provide psychosocial support: Patients with end-of-life care needs often experience a range of difficult emotions, such as anxiety, depression, and grief. Nurses can provide psychosocial support by listening to patients’ concerns, offering emotional support, and connecting them with resources such as support groups and counseling services.
• Manage pain and symptoms: Patients with end-of-life care needs often experience pain and other symptoms. Nurses play a vital role in managing these symptoms to provide patients with comfort and quality of life.
• Coordinate care with other healthcare providers: Patients with end-of-life care needs often see multiple healthcare providers. Nurses can coordinate care with other healthcare providers to ensure that patients receive consistent and comprehensive care.
• Support families and caregivers: Family members and caregivers of patients with end-of-life care needs often experience significant stress and burden. Nurses can support families and caregivers by providing information, education, and emotional support.

By following these evidence-based strategies, nurses can play a vital role in supporting patients and their families at the end of life.