The Pediatric Palliative APRN in Perinatal and Neonatal Palliative Care

Abstract Perinatal and neonatal palliative care address the needs of families and infants facing serious illness. Perinatal palliative care involves assessing and addressing the needs of the birthing woman, their support circle, and their family as they consider decisions regarding the care of their fetus before, during, and immediately after birth. Neonatal palliative care meets the family where they are, physically and metaphorically, in the neonatal intensive care unit. In both areas, the palliative care advanced practice registered nurse serves to elicit understanding of illness, support decision-making and advance care planning, communicate with other providers regarding the goals of care, and provide expert symptom management. This role can extend for months or years, through bereavement or survivorship.