Effective measurement of knowledge is an important component of both palliative care education and practice. The specific aim of the study was to measure nurses’ knowledge before and after a one-week palliative care course for Registered General Nurses, and to audit palliative care educational practice. The course aims to improve understanding and knowledge of palliative care by providing a basic foundation of the core components and common issues in palliative care. The PCQN (Ross et al., 1996) was chosen as a measurement tool due to the robust methodological foundations for its development. A high level of internal consistency (0.78) was established using the Kuder Richardson formula. The questionnaire was administered to 30 students (one student declined) on day one of the course and on day five when the course was completed. For the majority of items (75%), participants’ knowledge increased after the intervention, although it was found to have decreased in relation to 20% of questions. Knowledge remained unchanged for one question. A dramatic improvement was noted in some items - these questions related to symptom control. Knowledge relating mainly to the philosophy of palliative care appeared to have decreased after the course. Overall, the study reflects findings from previous research. It points to the benefits that short palliative care educational programmes can have on nurses’ knowledge base. Using the PCQN provides the educator with valuable information on which to base future educational programmes while at the same time auditing educational practice.