LAUSR

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.