Uttaranchal College of Nursing (UCN), a constituent of Uttaranchal University, successfully organized a three-day Palliative Care Module along with an educational visit to Ganga Prem Hospice in Rishikesh from 11th March to 13th March 2026. The academic activity aimed to enhance nursing students’ understanding of palliative care and provide them with practical exposure to compassionate care for patients with life-limiting illnesses.
The program was conducted under the able guidance of Dr. Midhu Kurian, Principal, Uttaranchal College of Nursing, and was coordinated by Ms. Isha Kumari, Ms. Heena, Ms. Gulshan, and Mr. Tushar. The module was designed to equip students with both theoretical knowledge and practical insights into the principles and practices of palliative and end-of-life care.
The three-day program combined classroom learning with experiential exposure. On the first day (11th March 2026), lectures were conducted at the university focusing on the fundamentals of palliative care. The sessions highlighted the philosophy and principles of palliative care and emphasized the importance of holistic patient management addressing physical, psychological, social, and spiritual needs. Students were introduced to important aspects such as pain management, symptom control, effective communication with terminally ill patients and their families, and the role of nurses in improving the quality of life of patients with serious illnesses.
On the second day (12th March 2026), students visited Ganga Prem Hospice, where they observed hospice services and learned about the practical aspects of palliative care delivery. Healthcare professionals at the hospice provided detailed explanations on various components of patient care including pain assessment, symptom management, wound care, nutritional support, and emotional and psychological assistance for patients and their families. Students also gained insight into the multidisciplinary team approach followed in hospice care, where doctors, nurses, counselors, and volunteers collaborate to provide compassionate and dignified end-of-life care. During the visit, students interacted with patients, which helped them understand the emotional and human aspects of caring for individuals with terminal illnesses and strengthened their empathy and communication skills.
On the third day (13th March 2026), further lectures and interactive discussions were conducted to consolidate the learning gained from the hospice visit. Faculty members encouraged students to reflect on their experiences and observations. Discussions focused on ethical considerations in end-of-life care, the importance of family support, and maintaining dignity and comfort for patients during advanced stages of illness. Students actively participated in the discussions and shared their perspectives and learning outcomes from the visit.
The Palliative Care Module and Educational Visit proved to be a highly enriching academic experience for the nursing students. By integrating theoretical sessions with real-world exposure, the program provided a deeper understanding of compassionate, patient-centered care and highlighted the significant role nurses play in supporting patients and families during difficult times. Such initiatives by Uttaranchal College of Nursing continue to contribute towards preparing competent, empathetic, and responsible healthcare professionals for the future.
