O
ne of the hardest aspects of nursing can be the
acceptance that not all patients will reach a cure from
their disease. This is an area of practice in which
oncology nurses are well-versed. In fact, a recently
published study found that oncology nurses, and nurses who
had been in practice for many years, had a greater comfort in
communication with patients and their families about end-oflife
care (Moir, Roberts, Martz, Perry & Tivis, 2015). Developing
a competence in caring for the patients who are reaching the
end of their healing journey is also an advanced skill of the
holistic nurse. To develop the ability to be present with patients
who are on a journey to the end of their lives, we must open
ourselves to the vulnerability of death and reflect on the personal
experiences we have had within our families or friendships. Next,
we must develop a relationship with our cancer patients so we
can build an understanding of where their life experience enters
into this journey as well. Developing effective communication
skills and cultural and age competencies help us discover where
our patients, and their families, are coming from when entering