Advocacy at the End-of-Life: Nurses as “The Calm in the Storm”

In this heartfelt episode, Mahoganie Hines delves into the critical role of nurses in advocating for patient-centred care at the end of life. With passion and expertise, Mahoganie highlights how nurses serve as the steady presence—the calm in the storm—when patients are facing decline and when families are overwhelmed by difficult decisions. She passionately argues that advocacy is not just a role, but a cornerstone of nursing care during this sensitive time.

As a clinical nurse specialist on the palliative care unit at St. Peter’s Hospital in Hamilton, Ontario, Mahoganie shares invaluable, evidence-based insights and practical strategies for nurses—both generalists and specialists—on how to effectively communicate with patients and their families. She offers guidance on how to navigate common questions and challenges that often arise at the end of life.

Mahoganie’s wealth of experience includes not only her clinical work but also her leadership in bioethics, education, and palliative care advocacy. She has held numerous roles, including educator, palliative pain and symptom management consultant, and hospice nurse. Her expertise has been recognized with multiple awards, and she has become a well-respected voice in promoting a palliative approach to care across healthcare organizations.

Beyond her clinical and academic work, Mahoganie is the president of the Canadian Palliative Care Nursing Association, and she is a certified specialist in palliative care nursing. With a Master’s in Health Science and Bioethics, Mahoganie’s impact extends across various levels—from the bedside to boardrooms, from clinical settings to guideline groups. She remains a passionate advocate for both patients and nurses, ensuring that compassionate care is always at the forefront of palliative practice.

Tune in for this enlightening conversation about the essential role of nurses in end-of-life care, and the powerful difference advocacy can make in providing comfort and clarity during one of life’s most challenging times.

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