The role of the nurse practitioner in caring for patients in the terminal phase of cancer

Caring for patients in the terminal phase of cancer is an extremely important aspect of a nurse practitioner's work. In this difficult phase of patients' lives, nurses play a key role, both in providing medical and emotional support. Below we will discuss what are the main tasks of a nurse practitioner in this phase and what skills are essential in this area.

Providing comprehensive medical care

The first key task of the nurse practitioner in caring for patients in the end stage of cancer is to provide comprehensive medical care. This means monitoring chronic symptoms and side effects of therapy, such as pain, nausea or weakness. The nurse is responsible for administering pain medication, controlling pain levels and developing a plan of care that takes into account the patient's individual needs.

An additional task is to provide symptomatic treatment to alleviate the patient's discomfort. The nurse practitioner should know and apply appropriate nursing techniques, such as skin stimulation, massage and short-term use of pain shields.

Emotional support for the patient and family

Patients in the final stage of cancer often experience tremendous stress and uncertainty. The nurse practitioner has an important role in providing emotional support and making sense of end-of-life care. Adequate communication with the patient and his or her family is crucial in building a trusting relationship.

The nurse practitioner should be able to listen to the patient and engage in conversation, asking questions about the patient's daily functioning, desires and concerns. In this way, she can help the patient express his emotions and needs, which improves his quality of life.

Support for the patient's family is also an important aspect of emotional support. A nurse practitioner should be able to provide information and explain the end-of-life process, help the family deal with their emotions and prepare them for upcoming events. This is a difficult but extremely important aspect of end-of-life care for cancer patients.

Providing dignity to the patient

The practicing nurse has a duty to provide dignified care to the patient, respecting the patient's right to self-determination and autonomy. Therefore, another important element of her work is to involve the patient in decisions about his treatment and care. The nurse should provide the patient with comprehensive information, help him understand the foreseeable consequences of medical actions, and support him in his decision-making, always respecting his values and will.

The patient in the terminal phase of his illness should feel important and valued in his treatment process. The role of the nurse practitioner is to ensure that the patient is listened to and that medical decisions are made that take into account the patient's individual preferences.

Conclusion

Nurse practitioners play an extremely important role in caring for patients in the end stage of cancer. Their task is to provide comprehensive medical care, provide emotional support to the patient and his family, and ensure that the patient is treated with dignity. This requires strong communication skills, empathy and commitment. Adequate support from a nurse practitioner improves a patient's quality of life during this difficult phase.