The Annual Living Well, Dying Well Conference aims to advance the palliative care knowledge and skills of healthcare practitioners in the areas of:

• Pain and symptom management;
• Prognostication;
• Advance Care Planning;
• Psychosocial/Spiritual care;
• Self-care/Compassion Fatigue;
• Grief and Bereavement/Family Care.

Local, regional and national experts in the field of palliative care share their knowledge and expertise with physicians, nurses, pharmacists, counsellors, social workers, volunteers and other health care providers.  This annual conference is certified by the College of Family Physicians of Canada and New Brunswick for up to seven (7) Mainpro credits.

Here are a sample of presentations from our 2018 Conference.

Airway Clearance In Palliative Care – Dr. Colleen O’Connel
Medical Cannabis in Symptom Management – Dr. Colleen O’Connel
Living Your Best Life Ever – Jason Crouse
Music Therapy in Palliative Care – Julien Meyer
Navigating Family Dynamics
Public Talk – Medical Cannabis – Dr. Colleen O’Connel
Wound Management Within a Palliative Population – Christeena Barber BN, RN

Our hospice palliative care training program is designed to deliver on national standards and best practices to ensure quality care and support.  Training is mandatory for all Hospice patient/family volunteers and new staff.  It is strongly encouraged for other Hospice volunteers.  Training takes place 1-2 times per year and includes the following core competencies to increase knowledge and provide the skills needed to support dying people and their families as a Hospice volunteer or staff member.

• History, Philosophy and Principles of Hospice Palliative Care
• Exploring Your Personal Experiences with Death and Grief
• Pain and Symptom Management
• The Dying Process and Final Hours of Care
• Communication
• Grief and Bereavement
• Caring for the Spirit
• Multi-Cultural Care
• Food Services and Food Safety
• Compassion and Self-Care
• Privacy, Confidentiality and Ethical Issues
• Boundaries and Social Media
• Health & Safety and Infection Control
• Music in End of Life Care
• Role of the Hospice Volunteer and Working with Clinical Staff

Hospice is a partner in the delivery of Pallium Canada’s LEAP training program with Extra-Mural and the SJRH Palliative Care Unit.  LEAP is aimed at health professionals who are committed to providing quality care, especially pain and symptom management, in the context of community and clinic-based settings.  LEAP facilitators are trained and certified to deliver this 2-day course which is accredited through the “Mainpro+” program of the College of the Family Physicians of Canada for 26.5 Certified Group Learning Credits.  The Hospice Nurse Manager and Medical Director are both certified LEAP trainers.

Hospice is pleased to host healthcare students on site in preceptorships and community placements.  Our expert clinical team gives personal instruction, training and supervision that will enhance the student’s skills and abilities in the delivery of hospice palliative care.  Students report that preceptorships and placements at Hospice gives them valuable knowledge and skills that positively impact their practice after graduation.  Contact our Nurse Manager to book a student preceptorship or placement and for additional information.

Hospice is pleased to provide speakers upon request for your workshops, conferences, classes, service clubs, or businesses.  Our skilled and experienced people will tailor their presentation to your group’s needs. Our topics range from general talks about Hospice and our community services, details about Bobby’s Hospice, grief and spiritual care and in-depth clinical information on the delivery of hospice palliative care.