The de Souza Hospice Palliative Care Study Group offers preparatory work to assist independent adult learners as they study to write the CNA Hospice Palliative Care exam. Participants will have access to a text book (eBook) and examine theories and concepts in order to achieve specific competencies as outlined in the CNA exam study guide blueprint. Based on this blueprint, the exam content consists of competencies of a fully competent practicing hospice palliative care nurse.

The course is self-directed and self-paced. It has been divided up into modules based on the CNA Hospice Palliative Care competencies. The CNA competency categories are as follows:

• Person and Family-Centered Care
• Pain Assessment and Management
• Symptom Assessment and Management
• Care in the Final Days
• Loss, Grief and Bereavement
• Collaborative Practice
• Education, Professional Development and Advocacy
• Ethics and Legal Issues

Visit the CNA website for more information on CNA hospice palliative care competency areas and exam eligibility criteria and exam eligibility criteria.

Course Syllabus

Course Objectives

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

1. Articulate the unique and primary responsibility of the hospice palliative care nurse to advocate for a persons’ right to maintain his/her quality of life and describe how to support an individual and their family to experience a dignified and comfortable death.
2. Identify how to collaborate with members of an interprofessional team to meet the physical, psychosocial and spiritual needs of the person and his/her family living with life-limiting illness.
3. Describe the implementation of a comprehensive, coordinated care plan that emphasizes compassionate whole-person care, including the developmental continuum (infancy to geriatrics) from the diagnosis of a life-limiting illness until death of the person and bereavement for the family

Course Requirements

Students will be evaluated using the following guideline:

1. A pre-study group survey of participant's perceived knowledge of the practice of Hospice Palliative Care;
2. A baseline knowledge test;
3. A post-session assessment each week via quizzes and activities;
4. Attend in-person or OTN workshop;
5. A post study group evaluation of participant's knowledge of the practice of Hospice Palliative Care and feedback for the quality of the study group;

When: The study group begins on February 24, 2025 and runs until May 19, 2025. The half-day symposium via Zoom will take place on a date to be determined. The CNA Hospice Palliative Care Certification Exam is written bi-annually in the spring and fall. To register for the Spring 2025 CNA hospice palliative care exam, please visit the CNA website

Course Syllabus: To view the course syllabus, please click HERE

Eligibility

Nurses who register with CNA for the annual specialty exam

Credits: Participating in this study group does not count as a de Souza Designation course credit. It is however, a requirement to obtain a CNA certification in to achieve the Designation of de Souza Nurse or de Souza APN.

Payment must be received by start date of course. For more information, please visit our Cancellation & No Show Policy.

Participants can pay for this course online with a credit card, or send a cheque to: