Full course description
1 Hour
Self-Paced
Earn CE
Course Overview
Connection and Compassion explores the powerful impact of relationships and empathy on health and healing. In this self-paced online course, participants will examine how social networks influence individual and community well-being, understand the research linking strong relationships to better health outcomes, and review compelling data on how compassion enhances patient care. Designed for caregivers and healthcare professionals, this course provides practical, evidence-based insights to support a more connected and compassionate approach to care.
Who Should Enroll
Ideal for caregivers—including family members, nurses, physicians, pharmacists, therapists, dentists and other healthcare professionals—who want to better understand and apply integrative care practices in clinical and everyday settings.
Course Instructor
Thomas L. Lenz, PharmD
Professor and Program Director, Integrative Health and Wellness, School of Medicine
Creighton University
As a respected educator and practitioner, he combines academic rigor with practical expertise in holistic, patient-centered care. Dr. Lenz is committed to guiding learners through actionable insights that can be applied immediately to improve patient outcomes and foster a comprehensive approach to health and wellness.
What You’ll Learn
By the end of the course, participants will be able to:
- Explain social networks' influence on individual and community health.
- Summarize the data connecting relationship and health.
- Summarize the data connecting compassion and patient outcomes.
Course Outcomes
Connection and Compassion equips participants with evidence-based insights and practical strategies to harness the power of social networks and compassion, enhancing both individual and community health outcomes while fostering more empathetic patient care. This course is stackable and counts toward the Foundations in Integrative Care badge and the Integrative Care Certificate, supporting continuing education and professional development in patient-centered, holistic care.
Continuing Education Credit
Category 1
Creighton University Health Sciences Continuing Education designates this enduring activity for a maximum of 1.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)TM. Physicians should claim only credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
AAPA accepts AMA category 1 credit for the PRA from organizations accredited by ACCME.
AAPA
Creighton University Health Sciences Continuing Education has been authorized by the American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA) to award AAPA Category 1 CME credit for activities planned in accordance with AAPA CME Criteria. This activity is designated for 1.0 AAPA Category 1 CME credits. PAs should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation.
Nurse CE
Creighton University Health Sciences Continuing Education designates this activity for 1.0 contact hours for nurses. Nurses should claim only credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
Pharmacy
Creighton University Health Sciences Continuing Education (HSCE) is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) as a provider of continuing pharmacy education (CPE). Connection and Compassion is accredited for 1.0 hour(s) for completion of all CE Sessions from May 1, 2025-April 20, 2026. Connection and Compassion is a knowledge-based activity.
Dental
Creighton University is an ADA CERP Recognized Provider.
ADA CERP is a service of the American Dental Association to assist dental professionals in identifying quality providers of continuing dental education. ADA CERP does not approve or endorse individual courses or instructors, nor does it imply acceptance of credit by hours by boards of dentistry.
Concerns or complaints about a CE provider may be directed to the provider or to ADA CERP at www.ada.org/goto/cerp.The Creighton University School of Dentistry designates this activity for 1.0 continuing education credits.
Accreditation Statement
In support of improving patient care, Creighton University Health Sciences Continuing Education (HSCE) is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.
FAQ
What are the benefits of completing this course?
Through real-world examples and practical frameworks, you’ll gain practical, easy-to-apply tools to build trust with patients, strengthen your communication and listening skills, motivate clients to clarify their goals and support lasting lifestyle changes. Led by expert Creighton faculty, this non-credit course is packed with actionable insights and real-world case studies you can apply immediately in your clinical or caregiving role.
Does this course count toward the Foundations in Integrative Care Badge or Integrative Care Certificate?
Yes, this course is part of the Integrative Care Certificate program. You can complete individual courses, a badge or the full certificate. Completing both badges will grant you the full certificate. There are eight one-hour courses in each badge.
How long does it take to complete?
This course is self-paced, allowing you to learn at your convenience. Most people complete this course in one hour, but you can take as much time as needed to fit your schedule.
How is the course structured?
This course is taught online and asynchronously. This flexible structure allows you to complete lessons at your own pace, making it ideal for busy individuals.
Can I earn Continuing Education Credits?
Yes. This course is accredited for 1.0 CE/CME credit hour across multiple disciplines. Check with your state’s credentialing body to determine if this course is eligible for continuing education credits for your profession.
Do you offer tuition assistance?
We do not offer tuition assistance for non-credit lifelong learning courses or certificates. However, Creighton alumni, faculty, staff and eligible partner employees, along with their spouses and dependents, may qualify for a 15% discount. One discount per offering. Other restrictions may apply. Learn more.