On 6SH Medical-Surgical unit, clinical nurses recognized a gap in the way patients and their families were supported during end-of-life care. Although nurses consistently demonstrated compassion at the bedside, there was no standardized, unit-based approach to offering comfort items that could ease emotional distress or support families through their loved one’s final moments. During Unit Council discussions, staff shared that families often felt unprepared, overwhelmed, or in need of small but meaningful comforts, warm blankets, tissues, tea, soothing music, or handwritten affirmations.

Motivated by these observations, the council agreed to develop a Caring Cart, an initiative grounded in Jean Watson’s Caring Science and Caritas Processes®, particularly Caritas Process 4: developing helping–trusting relationships, and Caritas Process 8: creating a healing environment for physical and spiritual well-being. The project was led by Ian Liffmann, MSN, RN, CNL, whose leadership helped translate the nurses’ vision into a structured, sustainable plan.

The Caring Cart is designed to offer soothing, individualized comfort items that help create a supportive, dignified, and compassionate environment. These items reflect the Caritas emphasis on honoring the wholeness of human experience and meeting patients and families wherever they are on their emotional journey.

To ensure consistent use and meaningful evaluation, the council developed a tracking system to document item utilization. Staff record which resources are selected during each encounter, enabling the team to identify patterns, preferences, and opportunities for improvement. This data will also guide inventory management and inform future decisions about refining or expanding the program.