Clinical Hospice: Effective Communication Skills for End-of-Life Care

At the completion of this educational activity, the learner will be able to:

1. Select three (3) non-verbal attending skills.
2. Identify three (3) steps to apply when communicating difficult content.
3. Identify three (3) best practices for initiating and discussing end-of-life decisions with individuals and familymembers.

At the completion of this educational activity, the learner will be able to demonstrate knowledge about hospice care by passing a quiz with 85% or greater accuracy.

Marc Markell, PhD, CT

Marc Markell teaches at Worsham College of Mortuary Science; he also teaches at St. Cloud State University in the Department of Special Education. He teaches Our Whole Lives for K-1st and 4-5th graders and Death Education to 2 and 3rd grader and 6th and 7th graders at Mayflower United Church of Christ. Marc is also a Hospice volunteer. Marc earned B.A. degrees in Communications/Theater Arts and Elementary Education from the University of St. Thomas, a MS. Degree in Education from Minnesota State University at Mankato, and a PhD in Educational Psychology from University of Minnesota. He is a certified Thanatologist through the Association of Death Educators and counseling and certified in Death and Grief Studies from Colorado State University through the Center for Loss and Life Transition. He has presented locally, nationally, and internationally. Marc has earned the following certifications from national funeral service professional organizations: End of Life Doula, Crematory Operator, Funeral Arranger, and Celebrant.