The development of core competencies for palliative care educators

This article outlines the conceptual thinking and development of core competencies for a palliative care educator. It is suggested that the process of defining a common core of key skills, personal qualities and attributes that reflect the unique role of a palliative care educator can provide an indicator of the diversity and complexity of this role, which can be used by the educator and employer in job planning, review and professional development. It can also potentially inform pay remuneration that is commensurate with both experience and responsibilities. For employers there is the opportunity to use the core competencies in the appointment of suitably able educators above and beyond the requirements of a standard job description.