The Pediatric Hospice Working Group in Connecticut is facing a critical shortage of certified pediatric palliative care nurses, with only 14 currently available statewide. During a recent meeting on January 29, 2025, members expressed deep concern over this lack of resources and discussed potential strategies to address the issue.

One of the key points raised was the need to incentivize nursing professionals to enter the pediatric hospice field. Participants noted that while there are nurses with pediatric experience, few have the specialized training required for hospice care. This gap highlights the necessity for targeted recruitment and training programs to attract nurses interested in this vital area of healthcare.

The discussion also touched on the importance of home care experience for nurses entering pediatric hospice. Many potential candidates may lack the necessary background in home health, which poses a barrier to providing comprehensive care. The group emphasized the need for collaboration with local agencies to establish clear requirements and training pathways for these nurses.

A promising development emerged from Yale Children’s Hospital, where a group of 20 nurses expressed a strong desire to follow their patients into community settings. This interest presents an opportunity to build a supportive framework for these nurses, allowing them to operate under a unified program that addresses regulatory and training needs.

The meeting underscored the importance of partnerships among healthcare providers, with Hartford also exploring similar initiatives. However, participants acknowledged the challenge of developing these programs without significant funding. The group is committed to finding innovative solutions to build a robust workforce capable of delivering essential pediatric hospice care in Connecticut.

As the discussions continue, the focus remains on creating actionable strategies that will enhance the availability of trained professionals in this critical field, ensuring that families receive the compassionate care they need during difficult times.