International Nurses’ Day: Nursing Leadership in Geriatric and Palliative Care—Compassion, Quality, and Innovation for an Aging World

As global populations age, nursing leadership has become essential to managing the complex health and social requirements of older adults. Nurses frequently serve as the primary coordinators of care across hospitals, home-based settings, and community centers. However, despite their central role in maintaining dignity and quality of life for patients with life-limiting illnesses, significant barriers remain. Workforce shortages, professional burnout, and fragmented healthcare systems often hinder the delivery of consistent, person-centered care.Recent evidence highlights the effectiveness of nurse-led interventions in improving symptom management, patient-provider communication, and end-of-life decision-making. While digital health tools and community-based models offer new ways to bridge care gaps, global disparities in resource allocation persist. Addressing these challenges requires a focused examination of nursing leadership, evidence-based practice, and the ethical considerations inherent in geriatric care.In recognition of International Nurses’ Day, this Research Topic focuses on the role of nursing leadership in advancing quality and innovation within geriatric and palliative settings. We seek empirical and conceptual contributions that promote integrated, person-centered approaches. The objective is to consolidate knowledge on effective care models, interdisciplinary collaboration, and initiatives that improve outcomes for older adults and those at the end of life. Additionally, this collection aims to identify strategies that support the resilience and ethical integrity of the nursing workforce.This Research Topic covers both clinical and systemic dimensions of nursing practice. We welcome original research, reviews, and case studies that address frontline interventions as well as leadership strategies influencing healthcare policy.Submissions may address, but are not limited to, the following themes:• Evidence-based innovations in geriatric and palliative nursing practice.• Nurse-led models for symptom management, family support, and patient communication.• Integration of care across various healthcare settings (acute, long-term, and home care).• Ethical and cultural dimensions of end-of-life care and psychosocial support.• Workforce sustainability, focusing on emotional resilience and the prevention of compassion fatigue.• Digital health and technology used to improve care coordination and person-centered outcomes.• Policy and leadership frameworks that promote equitable access to palliative services.• Global perspectives on nursing education, specialized training, and interprofessional teamwork. Topic editors: Ling Xu, Jie Li, Zhangyi Wang Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/81434/international-nurses-day-nursing-leadership-in-geriatric-and-palliative-care-compassion-quality-and-innovation-for-an-aging-world