Academic-practice partnership between college, HopeHealth expands clinical training, career opportunities in end-of-life care
The first group of University of Rhode Island College of Nursing students have begun clinical rotations in hospice and palliative care, as the college officially begins a formal academic-practice partnership with HopeHealth aimed at advancing clinical education, training, and professional opportunities in the field.
Eight undergraduate students began advance practice experience at the Providence-based nonprofit hospice and palliative care center Sept. 10 under the faculty supervision of Assistant Professor Daina Worcester. The collaboration brings together HopeHealth’s clinical expertise with URI’s nursing education programs to create more structured pathways for students and professionals interested in the specialized field. The goal is to foster professional growth, improve patient care, and strengthen the academic-clinical partnership between the college and healthcare facilities around the region.
In addition to gaining direct care experience, the students and the nurses they work with discuss the philosophy of hospice care, how to assess a patient near end of life, and how to provide symptomatic relief during that process, while still allowing themselves to feel the human emotional response to death that comes up differently for everyone, according to Worcester.
“I let the students know the first day that after 13 years, I still find myself crying with families. Allowing yourself to feel the emotions is how we protect our humanity in this profession,” Worcester said. “The students have already made an impact on patients and families, as one of our bilingual students was able to interpret for a Spanish-speaking family during a home visit. I’m looking forward to the students better understanding what it means to care for your community, which includes those at end of life.”
Learning how to communicate with patients at incredibly difficult points in their lives is a critical skill the partnership allows students to practice in a real-world setting, according to student Jada Rodriguez.
“One of the things that has stood out to me the most has been watching the hospice nurses have these difficult and sometimes uncomfortable conversations with families,” Rodriguez said. “Seeing how they are able to communicate difficult information while still providing comfort, reassurance, and emotional support to both the patient and their loved ones has been amazing to witness. It has shown me that nursing is not always about performing a skill or giving medication. Sometimes, being present, knowing what to say, and helping a family through one of the hardest moments of their lives is just as important. Even in just these first two weeks, this experience has given me a different perspective on nursing and what it means to provide compassionate care to patients and families during such an important stage of their lives.”
The partnership gives students the opportunity to learn a new area of healthcare and practice their skills in unique settings at the center and in patients’ homes, according to student Yamelle Garcia.
“We’ve been used to having clinicals in hospital settings, and this semester did a complete 180,” Garcia said. “The nurse I am with is very nice and helpful. She makes sure I understand everything and provides a welcoming environment for questions and anything I might not understand. I have learned so much already.”
HopeHealth and the college entered into the agreement in May of this year after a longstanding partnership on the Susan D. Flynn Palliative Care Undergraduate Fellowship. Under the new agreement, HopeHealth will provide clinical rotations for URI nursing students, and facilitate research collaborations for faculty members, as well as those pursuing Doctor of Nursing Practice and Ph.D. degrees. The partnership will also support guest lectures and develop pathways to employment opportunities for students.
“The partnership with HopeHealth represents a mechanism to strengthen palliative and end-of-life care in the sense that academia and practice are intentionally joining together in a commitment to lifelong learning and the sharing of best practices,” said nursing Dean Danny Willis.
HopeHealth is one of New England’s largest and most respected nonprofit hospice and palliative care providers, nationally recognized for exceptional standards in serious illness care. For 50 years, it has supported patients and families throughout Massachusetts and Rhode Island with extensive patient-focused services that offer comfort, respect and quality care. In addition to hospice and palliative care services, the center provides specialized care for dementia, support programs for caregivers, and grief support.
“It’s been wonderful to walk into a true academic-practice partnership, where the organization, nurses, and staff are excited to have us,” Worcester said. “This energy has been absorbed by the students and sets an excellent tone for the semester.”