Online Class: End of Life Care

no certificate
with CEU Certificate*
-
11Lessons
-
13Exams &
Assignments -
1,398Students
have taken this course -
5Hours
average time -
0.5CEUs
Course Description
The planning process includes everything, like where the patient will receive care, who will care for the patient, what types of treatment they desire and for how long, who will make decisions if they are unable to, what will happen to their assets, who will have custody of their children, and so much more. Since so many questions are left unanswered, the process is even more difficult and yet it is still so important to begin answering all of these questions as soon as possible.
During the patient's illness, the plan will need to be adjusted, but with good communication amongst all of the involved parties--along with teamwork and honesty--everyone can effectively work together with the patient to ensure that the last months of the patient's life are as positive as possible.
Course Motivation
When a person realizes that they are coming to the end of their life, they will experience a wide range of emotions and feelings. Just as caretakers will find it hard to deal with the situation's reality, patients will find it even more difficult. The patient, family members and friends will experience all of these feelings and emotions in different ways, at different times. It is important to consider that everyone is different, and therefore will handle things differently. Same goes for how the patient and family members will cope. Some will cry, while others will confide in a friend. What is important is that coping does take place, even if it's not recognizable.
Worry and Anxiety
Disbelief & Denial
People will also be in disbelief and cannot believe that this is happening to themselves or their loved one. They feel that maybe there has been some sort of mistake or that things can get better. Some people will deny that they are ill or don't believe that it has happened to them.
Bargaining
Sometimes when a person is diagnosed with a terminal illness, or when they simply face the end of life, they and family members as well, may bargain. Whomever they speak to spiritually, they may try to bargain in hopes that if they are healed, they will keep a promise they have made in return. A family member will also bargain in hopes that their loved one will be healed.
Bitterness & Resentment
When we realize that we cannot bargain, we may start to feel resentful towards things such as God, the patient, or even ourselves. This is because we feel as though we have been abandoned and feelings of being alone make us resent whomever we may choose to "blame."
Guilt
Patients may at times feel guilty. Perhaps they wish they have done something differently as they begin to reflect on the past. Loved ones can also feel guilty during and after their loved one is gone. They too may reflect on how they should have, could have, or did treat their loved one.
Depression
The patient may have feelings of depression once the reality of their fate has set in. Many loved ones, friends, and caretakers will also experience this during and after their loved one is gone.
Impatience
Learning Ways to Cope
Expressing & Acknowledging
It is important that you explore the emotions that you are feeling, express them by sharing them, and acknowledge why you are feeling a certain way. Whether you work through them with a close group of friends, family members, a counselor, or a support group, it is up to you. When emotions linger without being expressed, they will be buried and more healthy emotions, such as acceptance and healing, cannot occur. If you are the patient or the family member, this must be done to move on.
Caring for Yourself
Coping with the situation cannot occur if you do not properly care for yourself. When patients and family members face end of life care many things will exhaust them physically, mentally, and spiritually. That is why it is important to take care of yourself in all these areas. For example, proper rest, food consumption, finding the right support, and so on, are necessary for everyone.
Confiding
When coping, it is important to find the individual in which you feel most comfortable confiding in. Perhaps it is your sister, a spiritual advisor, a best friend, etc. No matter whom it is, find them and communicate with them what you feel often. This applies to both the patient and their family members.
Crying & Laughing
Although crying in this case will be caused from confusion, anger, and sadness, always remember that it is good to cry, and it is alright to do so. While some will sob in private, others will need a shoulder to lean on. Crying will help you to cope with the situation. It helps to release emotions which are necessary. Laughing is also ok and will be good for you! Never be afraid to laugh as you reminisce and share stories. It is good for both the patient and family members.
Speak From the Heart
Most of all, if you're loved one is still here, whether or not you think they can hear you, always speak what is within your heart. Chances are they can hear what you are saying even if you think they cannot. It is important to tell your loved one what you are feeling.
How these suggestions help
- Completely Online
- Self-Paced
- Printable Lessons
- Full HD Video
- 6 Months to Complete
- 24/7 Availability
- Start Anytime
- PC & Mac Compatible
- Android & iOS Friendly
- Accredited CEUs

Course Lessons
Lesson 1: Emotions & Coping: Patients and Family Members
Lesson 1 Video
Lesson discussions: End of Life Course; Reasons for Taking this Course
Complete Assignment: Motives for Taking this Course
Assessment: Lesson 1: Emotions & Coping: Patients and Family Members
Lesson 2: Communication
Lesson 2 Video
Assessment: Lesson 2: Communication
Lesson 3: Patient Planning/ End of Life Planning
Lesson 3 Video
Lesson discussions: End of Life Planning
Assessment: Lesson 3: Patient Planning/ End of Life Planning
Lesson 4: Physical Symptoms & Pain Management
Lesson 4 Video
Assessment: Lesson 4: Physical Symptoms & Pain Management
Lesson 5: In Home Care
Lesson 5 Video
Assessment: Lesson 5: In Home Care
Lesson 6: Palliative Care
Lesson 6 Video
Assessment: Lesson 6: Palliative Care
Lesson 7: Hospice
Lesson 7 Video
Assessment: Lesson 7: Hospice
Lesson 8: Hospitals & Nursing Homes
Lesson 8 Video
Lesson discussions: End of Life Care
Assessment: Lesson 8: Hospitals & Nursing Homes
Lesson 9: Refusing Care
Lesson 9 Video
Assessment: Lesson 9: Refusing Care
Lesson 10: Legal & Financial Plans
Lesson 10 Video
Assessment: Lesson 10: Legal & Financial Plans
Lesson 11: After the Patient is Gone
Lesson 11 Video
Lesson discussions: Final Course Poll - Your Opinion; Program Evaluation Follow-up Survey (End of Course); Course Comments
Assessment: Lesson 11: After the Patient is Gone
Assessment: The Final Exam
Learning Outcomes
- Recognize emotions and coping skills.
- Describe communication techniques and etiquette when faced with an end of life care situation.
- Summarize patient planning/end of life planning procedures.
- Describe physical symptoms and pain management techniques.
- Describe in home care.
- Describe palliative care.
- Describe hospice care.
- Identify hospitals and nursing homes and end of life care.
- Identify situations when patients refuse care.
- Summarize legal and financial plans in end of life care issues.
- Summarize what needs to be done and how to cope after the patient is gone.
- Demonstrate mastery of lesson content at levels of 70% or higher.
Additional Course Information

- Document Your Lifelong Learning Achievements
- Earn an Official Certificate Documenting Course Hours and CEUs
- Verify Your Certificate with a Unique Serial Number Online
- View and Share Your Certificate Online or Download/Print as PDF
- Display Your Certificate on Your Resume and Promote Your Achievements Using Social Media

Choose Your Subscription Plan
No Certificate / No CEUs
This course only
Includes certificate | X |
Includes CEUs | X |
Self-paced |
![]() |
Instructor support |
![]() |
Time to complete | 6 months |
No. of courses | 1 course |
Certificate & CEUs
This course only
Includes certificate |
![]() |
Includes CEUs |
![]() |
Self-paced |
![]() |
Instructor support |
![]() |
Time to complete | 6 months |
No. of courses | 1 course |
Certificates & CEUs
Includes all 600+ courses
Includes certificate |
![]() |
Includes CEUs |
![]() |
Self-paced |
![]() |
Instructor support |
![]() |
Time to complete | 12 Months |
No. of courses | 600+ |
Certificates & CEUs
Includes all 600+ courses
Includes certificate |
![]() |
Includes CEUs |
![]() |
Self-paced |
![]() |
Instructor support |
![]() |
Time to complete | 24 Months |
No. of courses | 600+ |
Student Testimonials
- "I am extremely impressed with this course. Some things were a reminder and a lot of it was new and I enjoyed learning all the new things. To be able to give the much needed care of one's end of life journey has been placed in my heart for sometime. I have learned so much and now I can be there not only for the patient as they walk through this time but for the families as well. Thank you again for this wonderful opportunity so that I may help others." -- Sandra C.
- "Your voice is easy to listen to. I appreciated learning the right pronunciation for the new words." -- Barbara K.
- "She was wonderful I loved how she shared with us which one we got wrong." -- Denesha R.
- "My instructor is excellent, I look forward to her replys." -- Becca F.
Related Courses
-
74 hours 7.4 CEUs Medical Billing and Coding Course Bundle $175.00
-
33 hours 3.3 CEUs Comprehensive Medical Terminology 1 & 2 $115.00
-
5 hours 0.5 CEUs Child Safety for Parents $95.00
-
7 hours 0.7 CEUs Alzheimer's Disease 101 $95.00
-
3 hours 0.3 CEUs Childhood Obesity $95.00
-
10 hours 1.0 CEUs Healthcare Code and Conduct $95.00
-
17 hours 1.7 CEUs ICD-10: Medical Coding $140.00
-
5 hours 0.5 CEUs HIV: Prevention, Diagnosis, Treatment $95.00
-
6 hours 0.6 CEUs HIPAA Compliance 101 $95.00
-
4 hours 0.4 CEUs Diabetes 101 $95.00
-
17 hours 1.7 CEUs Medical Terminology 201 $95.00
-
18 hours 1.8 CEUs Medical Terminology 101 $75.00
-
7 hours 0.7 CEUs Concussions 101 $95.00
-
2 hours 0.2 CEUs Careers in Healthcare $95.00
-
4 hours 0.4 CEUs Asthma 101 $95.00
-
12 hours 1.2 CEUs Child Abuse Recognition, Investigation, and Protection $110.00