Spirituality and End of Life Care Conference

Overview

Join Vanderbilt Divinity and the Vanderbilt School of Nursing for the Spirituality and End-of-Life Care Conference, a free, one-day event addressing the intersection of spiritual care, end-of-life care and health disparities.

Disparities in health care access and quality are pronounced in end-of-life care, particularly for racial/ethnic minorities, LGBTQI+ individuals, Indigenous populations and economically disadvantaged communities. 

Students, faculty, health care providers, community members and academic experts will consider how health inequities and spiritual and cultural factors influence end-of-life access, hospice utilization and outcomes, and explore practical solutions.  

Highlights

• Keynote Presentations: Leading experts share on end-of-life care, spirituality, health inequities and cultural-spiritual awareness, including supporting Indigenous and LGBTQ+ individuals in end-of-life contexts.
• Panel Discussions: Hear from community members and learn perspectives from indigenous and marginalized communities.
• Interactive Workshops: Take part in activities focused on hands-on learning experiences, interdisciplinary discussion and practical applications of spiritual assessment and ethical considerations.

What to Expect

• Develop a deeper understanding of the need for integration of spiritual care in end-of-life settings
• Gain insight into multicultural perspectives on death and dying
• Connect with a collaborative network of professionals committed to addressing spiritual needs in underserved populations
• Enhance your skills through hands-on learning experiences and interdisciplinary dialogue

Registration Information

Limited spots are available for this inspiring one-day conference. Participants will have the opportunity to earn ANCC contact hours and continuing education units (CEUs).

The conference is free, but pre-registration is required.

Significance

While medical aspects of hospice and palliative care have received increasing attention in recent years, the spiritual dimensions that profoundly influence patient and family experiences remain under addressed in both education and practice. Research demonstrates that neglecting spiritual needs contributes to poorer outcomes, increased suffering and complicated grief for families.

Don’t miss your chance to contribute to this vital conversation about spirituality and end-of-life care.