ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Nurses played a critical role in providing care for patients throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. AIM: This study aimed to explore perspectives of Australian palliative care nurses regarding the impact of COVID-19 on the provision of care for patients with advanced illness, or at the end of life. METHODS: The authors conducted a survey of palliative care nurses in ward- and consultation-based roles at a metropolitan health service in Victoria, Australia. FINDINGS: A total of 24 out of 39 nurses completed the survey. Responses included strong themes of fear of COVID-19 and sadness about separating dying patients from their families. CONCLUSION: Delivery of palliative care changed at an individual and service level. Importantly, there were strong themes of adapting to change and 'soldiering on' with the core business of palliative care.