Galway Hospice website - Every moment matters...

Education

The Education Department at the Galway Hospice Foundation has four aims.

  1. To tailor education to individual professions.
  2. To encourage multidisciplinary exchange of knowledge.
  3. To collaborate locally and nationally with other Palliative Care institutions and education providers.
  4. To develop up-to-date and relevant Palliative Care courses to other health care professionals in the West.

The Hospice philosophy incorporates a commitment to provide its staff with the opportunity and support necessary to develop both personally and professionally. To that aim, the Hospice provides an In-House Education Programme and opportunities to attend external courses, diplomas and degrees.

The In-House programme consists of regular lectures from both experienced staff on site and Palliative Care lecturers employed at other institutions. Topics covered include:
  • Medication management
  • Pain and Symptom Control
  • Counselling Skills
  • Oncological emergencies
  • Ethical issues
  • Spiritual care
  • Alternative Therapies
  • Communication
  • Health & Safety updates


In addition, the Hospice provides a structured orientation period for new nursing staff with ongoing support provided through a mentorship/link-nurse programme.

The National University of Ireland, Galway now offers a one-year Higher Diploma course in Palliative Nursing, in partnership with the Galway Hospice Foundation. Nursing staff at Galway Hospice are supported in attaining this specialist course. Information and application details are available from the National University of Ireland, Galway. Tel: 091 524411

 

Learning Objectives of Palliative Care courses offered

Following the courses, each participant should be able to:
  • Discuss the philosophy of Palliative Care.
  • Describe the specific needs of the Hospice patient.
  • Have knowledge of the concepts of loss and grief.
  • Understand the principles of effective communication.
  • Demonstrate an increased confidence in caring for a patient with a life limiting illness.
  • Understand and value the need for holistic and multidisciplinary care.
  • Describe their role in caring for patients requiring pain control and symptom management.
  • Demonstrate an awareness of the ethical implications when caring for Hospice patients and their families/significant others.

The Hospice continues to accept student nurses from Ireland and the United Kingdom for clinical placements. If you are interested in a placement on the Inpatient Unit and/or with the Community Palliative Care Team, please contact the Foundation for an application form.

If you are interested in our courses please contact Ms Mari Gallagher, Director of Nursing at Galway Hospice Foundation - 091 770868.