Western journal of nursing research
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Many nurses report a lack of confidence providing care for patients facing a life-threatening illness. Palliative care leaders have devised primary palliative nursing care competencies (CARES [Competencies And Recommendations for Educating undergraduate nursing Students]) that all students should achieve. In this study, nursing students participated in an innovative palliative care immersion experience, the Comfort Shawl Project. ⋯ Four CARES-related categories were analyzed: Individual Values and Diversity, Compassionate Communication, Fostering Quality of Life, and Self-Insight and Emotion. Reflections were highly representative (41%) of recognizing Individual Values and Diversity, representing sensitivity for patients' unique differences in values, an integral component of palliative care. The Comfort Shawl Project shows promise as an experiential immersion for introducing nursing students to CARES competencies.