My nursing career started in Texas in the early 1980s working in a surgical intensive care unit and taking responsibility for inpatient hemodialysis. I enjoyed the teamwork that was always present in the ICU. But, I felt somewhat guilty "treating patients to death." I always sensed there was a better way for people to spend the end of their life, rather than being tethered to a ventilator, unable to communicate with loved ones. I have worked in many different nursing specialties. It has always been important for me to provide dignity and respect to patients. I also take pride in educating and preparing families and loved ones for end-of-life. In 2003 I was given an opportunity to join a rapidly growing hospice in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

The Hospice and Palliative Credentialing Center Board Development Committee is seeking applicants to serve on the HPCC Board of Directors in 2017. The mission of HPCC is to advance expert care in serious illness. 

The remaining 2016 testing windows are coming up in September and December. Online applications for the September window will be accepted through August 15. Remember to download or print the appropriate handbook for the exam you plan to take. The 2016 Candidate Handbooks are available online at www.goHPCC.org under "certification" and contain information about each exam.  Learn about how to apply, fees, schedules, detailed test content outline of the information covered on the exam, suggested references for study, and much more!

Be sure to view the 2016 certification application fee schedule. Hospice and Palliative Nurses Association (HPNA) members continue to receive substantial exam discounts as a membership benefit! If you are a member, be sure to keep it current to receive this as well as many other benefits. If interested in HPNA membership, visit www.goHPNA.org under the leadership header. 

HPCC offers Certificant of the Year awards each year for certified individuals from all programs (ACHPN, CHPN, CHPPN, CHPLN, CHPNA, CHPCA, and CPLC). Award recipients receive their awards at the HPCC Certification Recognition Luncheon during the AAHPM/HPNA Annual Assembly in Phoenix, AZ next February. 

Pictured here is the 2016 ACHPN Certificant of the Year, Joan G. Carpenter.

Nominate a deserving individual or yourself for one of these prestigious awards. All nominations are due to the national office by July 1, 2016. 

2017 HPCC Award Nomination Form 

Certification pins are available for each credential: ACHPN, CHPN, CHPPN, CHPLN, CHPNA, CHPCA, and CPLC.

Be recognized by your colleagues and patients as being certified in your specialty. These pins showcase your credential and dedication to you profession. Order a pin today and display your credential with pride.  Order online at our website, www.goHPCC.org.

This year, the HPNA Clinical Practice Forum is at a new location, the historic Omni William Penn Hotel in Pittsburgh, PA, and will present several high profile speakers in to help celebrate HPNA's 30th anniversary. Join filmmaker Carolyn Jones as she discusses her project, The American Nurse, recently shown on the Discovery Channel during National Nurses Week.  In addition, one of the bigger names in palliative care and our opening plenary Dr. Nessa Coyle will be speaking on The State of the Art and Science of Palliative Nursing. She will also host a panel discussion on hot topics in bioethics and end-of-life care.

Those attending this two day forum will be able to earn a total of 14.0 CNE (continuing nursing education) hours, and a maximum of 3.5 pharmacology credit hours, by attending all of the planned events.

For a schedule of speakers and events, costs, and information on how to register, please click on the link below for more information.

Register for the Tenth Annual Clinical Practice Forum  

HPNF depends on your generous spirit to fund its programs of scholarships, grants, and awards. We hope that we can count on your support. Make your donation today or visit www.goHPNF.org for more.