Making Rounds
When people hear the words palliative care, many immediately think of hospice or end-of-life care. But that’s one of the biggest misconceptions Jessica Plants hopes to address.
As a nurse practitioner on Cape Fear Valley Health’s Palliative Care team, Plants wants patients and families to know that palliative care isn’t about giving up. It’s about helping people live as well as possible while facing a serious illness.
“Think of palliative care as an extra layer of support,” Plants said. “We focus on improving quality of life by treating symptoms, providing emotional support and helping patients make informed decisions.”
Plants began her career as an emergency room nurse before becoming a hospitalist nurse practitioner. Those experiences taught her that caring for patients means more than treating a diagnosis.
“Over the years, I realized it’s not only about treating medical conditions,” she said. “More importantly, it’s about caring for the person and the family experiencing the illness.”
Today, she helps patients manage symptoms such as pain, shortness of breath, nausea, anxiety and fatigue while also helping them understand their diagnosis and treatment options.
“My goal is to make sure their medical care aligns with their values and goals,” she said.
One of the questions Plants hears most often is whether palliative care and hospice are the same thing.
While both focus on improving quality of life and relieving suffering, they serve patients at different stages of illness.
“Palliative care is a broad umbrella, and hospice falls underneath it,” Plants explained.
Palliative care can begin at any point after a serious diagnosis and can be provided alongside treatments such as chemotherapy, radiation or surgery. Hospice care is intended for patients nearing the end of life who have chosen to focus on comfort rather than treatments aimed at curing or slowing disease.
“I always say palliative care is for any age or any stage,” she said. “Hospice is when someone no longer wants to pursue aggressive treatment measures.”
Many cancer patients are surprised to learn they don’t have to choose between treatment and palliative care.
Plants encourages patients to ask about palliative care as early as possible after a cancer diagnosis. Research shows early involvement can improve symptom control, reduce stress and even help patients tolerate treatment better. Patients can also ask their oncologist or another member of their care team whether a referral may be appropriate.
While oncologists focus on treating the cancer, the palliative care team focuses on helping patients feel their best physically, emotionally and spiritually. The team helps manage treatment side effects, pain, nutrition, sleep concerns and emotional well-being, with care tailored to each patient’s goals.
Cancer affects far more than the body.
While pain and nausea are often the most recognized symptoms, Plants says many patients also struggle with fatigue, anxiety, depression, financial stress, caregiver responsibilities and uncertainty about the future.
“Those issues can be just as hard as the physical symptoms,” she said.
Listening is one of the most important parts of her job.
“I spend a lot of time listening,” Plants said. “Sometimes people need help processing difficult news, talking about fears, venting or discussing what gives their life purpose.”
She works closely with physicians, nurses, physician assistants, social workers, chaplains, case managers and other specialists to ensure patients and families receive comprehensive support.
Supporting caregivers is also an important part of palliative care. Plants helps families understand what to expect, answers difficult questions and encourages conversations about goals of care before a crisis occurs.
For Plants, some of the most meaningful moments have nothing to do with medicine.
One patient simply wanted her nails painted, so Plants brought in nail polish and made it happen.
“The smile on her face was priceless,” she said. “Something as simple as that, which many of us take for granted, can really mean a lot.”
Plants is also passionate about Cape Fear Valley Health’s No One Dies Alone (NODA) program. Through the program, trained volunteers stay with patients receiving comfort-focused care, offering companionship by holding a patient’s hand, reading aloud, playing music or simply sitting quietly when family members need a break or cannot be present.
For patients who are hesitant about accepting a palliative care referral, Plants offers reassurance.
“Don’t be afraid of the name,” she said. “It doesn’t mean giving up hope. It means getting more support and having a team focused on helping you feel better while making sure your care aligns with what’s most important to you.”
Her message is simple: “If you have a serious diagnosis, ask for a palliative care referral. We’re here to help you navigate your goals of care and give you the best possible quality of life.”