Pain at end of life remains one of the most feared and misunderstood experiences in healthcare. This engaging continuing education session will explore the true definition of pain, dispel common myths, and examine barriers that prevent effective pain management. Participants will discuss the concept of a “good death,” review appropriate pain assessment tools for all patient populations, and identify evidence-based treatment options to ensure comfort, dignity, and quality of life at the end of life.

Nurse Learner Outcome: At the conclusion of this session, 80% of particiapnts will self report a knowledge gain of how to conduct comprehensive pain assessments and implement evidence-based pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic strategies to effectively manage pain in patients at end of life.

Learner Objectives:

1. Describe common causes of pain at end of life.
2. Demonstrate accurate use of validated pain assessment tools for end of life patients, including those with cognitive impairment.
3. Evaluate patient response to pain interventions and adjust plan of care to optimize comfort.