An Evolution of HPC Nursing Leadership in Canada

1993-2020

 

End-of-life care hospice principles, interprofessional practice and settings established its roots in the UK in the 1960’s. This inspired palliative care establishment beginnings in Canada in the mid-1970s. Leaders of this pioneering Canadian formation included dedicated nurses who were at the forefront in succeeding to set the stage for nationally professionalized hospice palliative care (HPC) nursing.

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Long before we had the communication privileges of today’s technology of internet, e mail, online environment (Zoom, Skype, Facetime) and social media (Facebook and Messenger) etc., the initial HPC nursing coast to coast communication connection originated  when HPC nurses were able to finally gather and network face-to-face at national palliative care conferences which commenced in the 1990s.

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After that point there then began in 1993 the formation of an informal and later formal Canadian HPC Nursing Group with representation across Canada. This dynamic inaugural group went on to develop and provide exemplary nursing leadership and collaboration with elected Boards of Directors and dedicated members.

 

Since that time, the group has responded to and held a primary role in the evolution of Canadian HPC in general and HPC Nursing in particular locally, provincially, nationally and internationally. Nurses voluntarily stepped up to the plate, came together in the beginning , worked resiliently over the years, formed lifelong connections and collaborations, and celebrated achievements along the way. 

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Some of these Canadian HPC nursing leadership achievements include:

• Defined the unique characteristics of HPC nursing;

• Identified and developed nursing HPC nursing standards and  competencies;

• Created and advanced HPC clinical practice guidelines;

• Advocated for, achieved and maintained national hospice palliative care nursing certification through the Canadian Nurses Association (CNA);

• Provided guidance in managing HPC nursing professional concerns such as quality assurance, ethics, role definition, interdisciplinary team dynamics and professional advocacy;

• Provided education, professional development opportunities for and by HPC nurses;

• Had an impact on the integration of core palliative and end-of-life concepts and competencies into other nursing specialties;

• Collaborated on initiatives to enhance both the growth of hospice palliative care in Canada and the implementation of the palliative approach to care;

• Became recognized as the “go to group” for HPC nursing leadership and expertise in Canada.

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As cited in the closing of the full document, all that HPC nursing leadership has accomplished “is forever dedicated to those persons and families who, through their suffering and loss, have motivated us to improve our knowledge, skills and understanding in order to bring greater peace and comfort to those who have entrusted and who will entrust their care to us in the future”.

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We hope that this synopsis has tweaked your interest and that you will take the time to read the complete historical journey of the HPCN group, now CPCNA. 

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