Compassionate care around dying: The key principles of support
This course is designed for health care professionals working in various settings and at all levels of practice throughout the UK. This flexible and accessible learning resource supports you in delivering high-quality end-of-life care. You can revisit it anytime to reflect and support your ongoing personal development.
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Course
Available to RCN members
Online
Who is this course for?
This resource is aimed at nurses and nursing support workers across all settings and levels of practice, including students of health, social work and care professions.
What will I learn?
- recognise the signs and symptoms that indicate a person is approaching the end of life
- learn how to engage in sensitive conversations with the dying person and their loved ones.
- understand the importance of emotional support throughout the dying process and after death.
- involve the patient and their family in critical decisions about end-of-life care.
- respect their wishes and preferences
- address the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of the dying person, their family and carers.
- provide appropriate resources and practical assistance.
- develop individualised care plans tailored to each person’s unique needs and values
- deliver care with compassion, empathy and respect.
Resource last reviewed
20 May 2025
Resource lead
The RCN delivers quality-assured and up-to-date resources for the nursing workforce. Reviewed annually in line with the RCN Quality Assurance policy, all RCN Learn resources meet the RCN’s Nine Quality Standards.
