Introducing scholarships in palliative and end-of-life care for pre-registration nursing students.

Abstract

Background: In 2021 our Hospice, in partnership with our local University, introduced a novel, extra-curricular scholarship in palliative and end of life care (PEoLC) for pre-registration nursing students. This was in partial response to widespread calls 1,2, 3, 4, 5 for collaborative and innovative action aimed at better preparing the current and future health and care workforce as providers of competent, person-centred, compassionate PEoLC whenever and wherever this is required. Aim: To offer a funded extra-curricula professional development opportunity to final year nursing students with an interest in PEoLC, aimed at enhancing their confidence, knowledge, skills, and employability prospects in PEoLC. Methods: April 2021 to date: co-design of proposal and selection criteria to achieve formal scholarship approval; marketing and press releases; shortlisting and interviews; co-mentorship of awardees by PEoLC specialist and nurse academic, menu of options; networking and development opportunities; formal recognition of scholarship award at annual Faculty student prize-giving: interim and final student evaluations; bi-annual reporting to key stakeholders. Results: Each of the eight awardees to date has positively evaluated their experience of this scholarship. For example, “Being awarded the scholarship has felt like the biggest privilege. It has opened many channels and enabled new connections with unique professionals who share my passion for reducing inequalities in EOL care to be formed.” Two of the first three scholarship students accepted newly qualified posts in community palliative care settings. This scholarship has also drawn wider attention to the importance of compassionate, person-centred PEoLC as an integral aspect of nursing practice. Conclusion: This unique scholarship has been found to enhance the confidence, professional development, and employment prospects for award winners as intended. It has also drawn wider attention to the importance of PEoLC and opened new opportunities for preparing the future nursing workforce locally through our collaborative ventures with the University.