Published on: September 30, 2026

A workshop: Equipping 148 nursing students to care for the dying with skill and compassion

A one-day workshop on the care of the terminally ill patient was held on 31 August 2026 at Annai JKK Sampoorani Ammal College of Nursing, Komarapalayam, Tamil Nadu. Organised by the college’s Department of Nursing Foundation, it brought together 148 nursing students from three institutions: Annai JKK Sampoorani Ammal College of Nursing, Ambu College of Nursing and SSM College of Nursing.

The workshop was facilitated by Mrs Honey Mathew, Senior Palliative Care Nurse and National Palliative Care Nursing Faculty, Indian Association of Palliative Care (IAPC), and Dr Shani John Sequeira, Nursing Lead, Karnataka Mission, Pallium India. The faculty who took part will use the workshop as a ready module and teaching strategy to pass on these skills to their own students.

Aim and Approach

The workshop aimed to give students a clear understanding of terminal illness, death and dying, loss and grief. This included recognising the signs of impending death and the ways families respond to loss. Through case discussions, simulation and skills-based learning, students practiced essential nursing care, last offices, and compassionate communication with patients and families. The day began with a pre-test and an introduction to palliative care. Sessions followed on death and dying, the nurse’s role in caring for dying patients and their families, and the ethical and legal aspects of terminal care, including a brief discussion of Advance Medical Directives (AMD).

Evidence of Learning

Among 147 students, mean knowledge scores rose from 12.02 to 14.59, a gain of 2.57 points (t(146) = −7.08, p < .001). This statistically significant improvement supports the effectiveness of the workshop in strengthening knowledge. The programme also deepened students’ understanding of their ethical, legal and professional responsibilities in end-of-life care, and encouraged dignity, compassion, respect and cultural sensitivity.

The findings show the value of combining interactive teaching, case-based learning and hands-on skills training to prepare nursing students for compassionate, competent and holistic care of terminally ill patients and their families.

Reaching Further

The workshop ended with an introduction to the courses and services offered by Pallium India. Participants received the website and teleconsultation numbers to share with the patients and families they meet in their practice.

---

---