Courage, Leadership, and End-of-Life Care

When Courage Counts

Karlene M. Kerfoot, PhD, RN, CNAA, FAAN

Nurs Econ. 2012;30(3):176-178.

Summary

Many years ago foresighted nurse leaders advocated for making the birth experience a celebration directed by the family to include fathers, siblings, and grandparents. Pediatric nurses see the family and the child as one unit and develop care plans for the family as a unit. Unfortunately, for someone at the end of life, we cannot guarantee he or she will have the same access to specialized compassionate care as babies who are birthed and children who are hospitalized. Brave nursing leaders had the courage to change the way we view obstetric and pediatric care. We have wonderful models to follow. It only takes the courage of nursing leaders to advocate for the voice of the patient and family and the nursing and professional staff in end-of-life care. Everyone benefits personally and financially, including our communities and nation, when courageous leaders advocate successfully for effective end-of-life care.

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