The students and teachers from the End-of-Life Training: ELNEC Core Curriculum Train-the-Trainer Course pose together in a group photo on the Penn State Schuylkill campus.
SCHUYLKILL HAVEN, Pa. — On May 14, Penn State Schuylkill hosted the End-of-Life Nursing Education Consortium (ELNEC) Core Curriculum Train-the-Trainer Course, welcoming 15 nurses from across the region for a day of intensive, professional development in end-of-life and palliative care.
Recognizing that nurses spend more time with patients and families during the final stages of life than any other healthcare professional, the course was designed to enhance their ability to provide compassionate, comprehensive care. The training equips nurses to address the wide spectrum of physical, psychological, social, and spiritual needs of patients and their loved ones as they navigate this critical period.
The ELNEC course was led by Penn State Schuylkill nursing faculty members Maureen Sanders and Jaclyn Sims, both of whom have extensive experience in palliative care education and practice.
“Our job as nurses is to be the light in a time of darkness. It is also to improve the quality of life at the end of life,” said Sanders.
Sims, who completed the ELNEC Train-the-Trainer course in 2024, said she was grateful for the opportunity to pass along her knowledge to others. “It’s been rewarding to share what I learned last year with such a compassionate group of nurses,” she said.
Participants praised the course for its practical applications and relevance to their clinical settings.
“Today’s information has opened up some great ideas that I can take back to our facility. Very, very informative,” said Norma Bollinger, a nurse from South Mountain Restoration Center.
“Great handouts to share with other health care professionals,” added Terry Barket from St. Luke’s Hospice.
The ELNEC Core Curriculum course is part of Penn State Schuylkill’s continuing education offerings and underscores the campus’s commitment to supporting health care professionals in delivering high-quality, empathetic care at every stage of life.
Learn more information about continuing education opportunities at Penn State Schuylkill.
