Advance Care Planning (0.25 credits)

Course Description

This course will focus on the fundamental principles of advance care planning in a variety of settings and situations. Case scenarios will be utilized to highlight key concepts that will build on each other from basic concepts to more complex situations. Advance care planning will be discussed in relation to its importance, helping patients articulate their values, assisting patients in choosing and appointing an Attorney for Personal Care and discussing critical care and life-sustaining treatments. Multiple choice questions along with self-reflection questions are embedded at the end of each case scenario to allow learners to self-assess knowledge acquisition. The overall goal of this course is to prepare participants to engage in advance care planning with their patients/clients and families.

Course Objectives

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

1. Identify how to initiate advance care planning with healthy patients.
2. Identify communication techniques that will help patients articulate their values and beliefs about quality of life and dying.
3. Identify how to initiate advance care planning with patients who have a life-threatening illness.

Course Requirements

To receive your certificate and a 0.25 credit toward your de Souza designation, you are required to complete:

1. A baseline evaluation
2. All 5 modules and required readings
3. A final assignment (to be completed during the 2 weeks after the modules are completed) which involves an environmental scan of your workplace and a practical application exercise.
4. Weekly participation in the discussion forums
5. A post-evaluation

Eligibility: This course is available to any Ontario RN or RPN.

Time Commitment: Approximately 2-3 hours per week.

de Souza Nurse Designation: This course is worth 0.25 credits under Therapeutic and Supportive Relationships.

To register for this course, please visit the Events Calendar to find out when it is being offered.