2012 HPNA BOARD OFFICERS
The HPNA Board of Directors is pleased to announce that the 2012 Board Officers will be JoAnne Reifsnyder, PhD, ACHPN(R), President; Barbara Cliff, RN, PhD, CHPCA(R), as President-elect; and Lorrie Bearrows, BA, RN, CHPCA(R), CHPN(R), serving as Secretary/Treasurer.
HPNA SENDS FOUR RESEARCH SCHOLARS TO THE 2011 KATHLEEN FOLEY PALLIATIVE CARE RESEARCH RETREAT
For 5 years now, the Kathleen M. Foley Palliative Care Retreat and Research Symposium has met. The purpose is to provide "an annual forum for interdisciplinary palliative care researchers to come together to network, learn from each other, discuss the science of palliative care, and develop new research ideas and collaborations" according to R. Sean Morrison, MD, director of the National Palliative Care Research Center. This fifth annual event was held on October 11-12, 2011, in Quebec, Canada. HPNA attendees were our four research scholars: Abraham Brody, PhD, RN, GNP-BC; Joy R. Goebel, PhD, RN; Susan Lysaght Hurley, GPN-BC, ACHPN(R); and Denice Sheehan, PhD, RN. June Lunney, PhD, Director of Research, and Judy Lentz as CEO were also in attendance.
The experience is an outstanding one. Junior researchers are welcomed and mentored by senior researchers by offering advice, critiquing posters, reviewing grant submission concerns, and guiding the junior researchers through the grant application process. Ab Brody said the retreat provided him "with a wealth of learning experiences, networking opportunities, and potential for collaborations and funding." Susan said, "I was humbled to (be) a part of the group and can easily see how it will benefit my career and the research I am hoping will improve the care of older adults with serious illness." Denice added, "The feedback during the consultancy session validated the importance of my research with adolescents and helped to clarify potential next steps. I greatly appreciate HPNA's vision of mentoring nurse researchers and funding that vision." Joy was equally impressed and grateful for this wonderful opportunity.
As HPNA continues to support and grow the research program within our organization, we are grateful to these scholars as well as those who have had the privilege of attending this retreat in previous years. Under Dr Lunney's guidance and the hard work of the HPNA Research Committee, great progress has been made in this area of our strategic plan.
2012 ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING ANNOUNCEMENT
The Annual HPNA Membership Meeting will be held on Friday, March 9, 2012, from noon to 1 PM at the Denver Convention Center, Denver, CO. This event is conducted during the 2012 AAHPM/HPNA Annual Assembly.
REGISTER FOR ONE OF HPNA'S PRECONFERENCES AT THE 2012 ANNUAL ASSEMBLY!
HPNA is offering half-day and full-day preconferences on Wednesday, March 7, 2012, and all offer contact hours. The complete listing of the presenters is noted in the Conference Brochure posted on our Web site. Registration for these HPNA-sponsored educational events is part of the online conference registration on the AAHPM Web site, http://www.aahpm.org.
HPNA-sponsored preconference programs are the following:
(1) Coming "Face-to-Face" With Hospice Regulations
(2) Paving the Long Road: Bereavement Care
(3) Who "Cares" for Me
(4) Blending Our Voices in Managing Oncology Patients
(5) It's Not Your Mama's End of Life Medication Bag!
(6) Oral Health in Palliative Care: Unique Challenges and Creative Approaches
(7) Writing for Publication: Disseminating the Wisdom of Palliative Care
(8) Mile High Aspirations: A Team Approach to Discovering the Goals of Care
CALL FOR NOMINATIONS FOR THE HPNA BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The HPNA Board Development and Leadership Committee is seeking nominations for individuals to serve on the Board of Directors for a 3-year term beginning in January 2013.
Applicants must have been a HPNA voting member for a minimum of 2 years and an active participant in the work of the organization. Complete application requirements and further details of Board commitments are posted on the Leadership menu of the HPNA Web site, http://www.hpna.org. The application deadline is on March 1, 2012.
HPNA Communication Communities
The HPNA Communication Communities can aid you in keeping current within a specialty area and provide an opportunity to network with members with similar interests via e-mail, discussion boards, or Listserv. You don't need expertise in a particular topic area to participate in a "community." In fact, some community discussions may be particularly helpful if you are exploring a new area of professional development, as any member visiting a communication group can post or ask a question.
As an HPNA membership benefit, there are no additional fees associated with participating in the HPNA Communication Community. Some of the many benefits of participating in the community, include the following:
* network with colleagues who share similar interests and expertise
* participate in insightful discussions with other HPNA members
* contribute to the future direction of the communication communities
* receive information about the latest advancements and best practices
* hone your leadership skills by starting and serving as an official coordinator for your very own community
HPNA Roundtables-Can't find a Special Interest Group (SIG) or Discussion Board that covers your area of interest? There might be a small group that is waiting for you at the HPNA Roundtables. Some beginning groups haven't yet met the criteria to become an official HPNA Discussion Board or SIG, but they can take part in the HPNA Roundtables, which provides you with an e-mail address of an HPNA member looking to share information on a common topic or thread. Start or join a Roundtable today!
HPNA Discussion Boards-In the Discussion Boards, you can ask questions and offer solutions to already posted questions from others, or just read what other's have posted. Check it out today and remember to go back frequently to follow the various discussions. You can expect at least three to four Discussion Board posts per week!
Special Interest Groups-A dedicated group of HPNA members, who have demonstrated extraordinary activity and member participation during their time as a Discussion Board and Roundtable. Information is passed through a dedicated Listserv e-mail program. Please visit the HPNA Web site for more information and to start your very own Communication Community: https://http://www.hpna.org/.
Social Media Update: What in the World Is a QR Code?
HPNA is now utilizing QR Codes! A QR code, which is abbreviated from Quick Response code, is a type of matrix bar code (or two-dimensional code) designed to be read by smartphones. The code consists of black modules arranged in a square pattern on a white background. The information encoded may be text, a URL, or other data. Be sure to look for these codes in future HPNA materials, including newsletters, journal articles, and Web pages:
HPNA ANNOUNCES DISTRICT REALIGNMENT FOR CHAPTER PROGRAM
Over the past 2 years, the HPNA Mideast District has experienced a tremendous amount of growth. In fact, the Mideast District recently had 11 chapters and an additional four provisional groups working toward charter status! With this level of development in mind, the HPNA Chapters Committee has made the recommendation, approved by the HPNA Board, to create its eighth district for the Chapter Program and reorganize some of its current district boundaries.
*New* Southern Atlantic District: This new district, titled Southern Atlantic, will include chapters and provisional groups located in Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, and Virginia. Susan Sovine (from The Triangle [NC] Chapter) has agreed to become the new district leader. Susan brings a tremendous amount of chapter-related experience, has participated in HPNA's Leadership Weekend, and should now be considered the contact person for any questions/concerns related to chapters/groups in these states.
Mideast District Update: The Mideast District now includes the states of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, and Maryland, and Marsha Opalach will continue to serve as the Mideast District Leader.
Midcentral District Update: Chapters and provisional groups in West Virginia will now be part of the Midcentral District. Denise Bauer currently serves as the Midcentral District Leader.
HPNA hopes this new district alignment will enable chapters/groups to develop a close relationship with an experienced district leader in a dedicated geographic area. If HPNA members have any further questions about the new Southern Atlantic District, please feel free to contact the National Office. Again, thank you for all for your continued support of HPNA.
HPNA ANNOUNCES FREE DEMENTIA CARE WEBINAR SERIES FOR ITS MEMBERS
HPNA is proud to offer all members an exclusive opportunity to take three Dementia Care E-Learning Courses and earn a total of 4.5 contact hours-for free! Course objectives are as follows:
[white circle] identify risk factors for developing dementia,
[white circle] differentiate between the causes of dementia,
[white circle] describe the pharmacological treatments of dementia,
[white circle] identify diseases that can cause dementia, and
[white circle] distinguish between the different stages of dementia.
Course description: "Dementia Care: Understanding the Diagnosis, Embracing the Diversity, and Upholding the Dignity at the End of Life" is a three-part Web course. The first part, "Understanding the Diagnosis," covers the causes and stages of dementia. The second part, "Embracing the Diversity," looks at the many symptoms of dementia and interventions to help the person and their family. "Upholding the Dignity at the End of Life," the third part, discusses care of the person and their family in the final stages of the disease and includes an interactive case study. 1.5 CEs are offered for each part. HPNA members must go through the Members-Only section of http://www.HPNA.org to access the courses.
Hospice and Palliative Nurses Association (HPNA) is an approved provider of continuing nursing education by PA State Nurses Association and an accredited approver by the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Commission on Accreditation (ANCC).
HPNA WELCOMES ITS 2012 STANDING COMMITTEE CHAIRS
HPNA would like to acknowledge six HPNA members and leaders who will graciously serve as an HPNA Committee Chair in 2012. This is a 1-year voluntary position that complements the National Office in efforts to support the HPNA's strategic plan.
* Chapters Committee-Lori Hedges of Chicago, IL
* Education Product Committee-Caroline Schauer of West Fargo, ND
* Education Services Committee-Mary Bronwyn Long of Denver, CO
* Membership Committee-C. Andrew Martin of Malden, MA
* Public Policy Committee- Sheila Grant of Newark, DE
* Research Committee-Mi-Kyung Song of Chapel Hill, NC
ALLIANCE THANKS PURDUE PHARMA, LLP
The Alliance for Excellence in Hospice and Palliative Nursing wishes to thank Purdue Pharma, LLP, for their continued Benefactor level of corporate support for 2011-2012. This financial support has enabled the Alliance to expand collaborative initiatives to further our Mission of serving the public-at-large.
CALL FOR PROPOSALS FOR THE 2013 AAHPM/HPNA ANNUAL ASSEMBLY IN NEW ORLEANS, LA
Thinking of submitting an abstract for the next annual assembly? Have an idea but stymied about pulling it together? HPNA has resources available to help you prepare a submission for the 2013 Annual Assembly-visit the Education menu/Conferences on the HPNA Web site, http://www.hpna.org, for tools to assist in this process.
Calls for the 2013 AAHPM/HPNA Annual Assembly to be held in New Orleans, LA, March 13-16, 2013:
* March 1 to April 12, 2012-First call for workshop, concurrent, and SIG symposia presentations
* June 15 to July 16, 2012-Second call for case studies, papers, and posters
* October 1 to November 1, 2012-Third call for interdisciplinary professionals in training submissions
All proposals must be submitted via http://www.aahpm.org.
NBCHPN(R) TESTING WINDOWS FOR NBCHPN(R) 2012 COMPUTER-BASED TESTING
NBCHPN(R) continues to work with our professional testing company, Applied Measurement Professionals, regarding computer-based testing.
See the chart below for testing window dates and "received by" application deadlines for 2012.
NBCHPN(R) CERTIFICATION RENEWAL INFORMATION AVAILABLE FOR APRNs, RNs, LICENSED PRACTICAL/VOCATIONAL NURSES AND ADMINISTRATORS
The 2012 HPAR (Hospice and Palliative Accrual for Recertification) applications for renewal can be received in the National Office anytime after January 1 but must be received by March 1, 2012.
All HPAR applications can be downloaded from our Web site, http://www.nbchpn.org.
NBCHPN(R) CANDIDATES FOR HPAR RECERTIFICATION-MAKE USE OF CE TRACKING!
Through the Continuing Education (CE) tracking, you can keep track of your classes taken and print your record to document your professional achievements. It's online, it's easy, and it's free!
A transcript is initiated and provides you with a list of all courses you have started and/or completed. All course information is provided, including status, start and finish dates, and test scores. Included in the transcript are all the professional development categories required for the HPAR process. To access CE tracking, go to http://www.nbchpn.org, find "Resources," and drop down to "CE tracking."
NBCHPN(R) BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The NBCHPN(R) Board of Directors welcomes new member Julie Holman, CHPLN(R), representing licensed practical/vocational nurses. Officers for 2012 are President Denise Stahl, MSN, RN, ACHPN(R); Secretary Renee Tillman, CHPNA(R); and Treasurer Shiela Derrevere, MS, RN, CHPN(R).
NBCHPN(R) 2012 ITEM WRITER WORKSHOP
Learn more about item writing by attending the workshop "Secrets of Competency Testing: Writing Items for Hospice and Palliative Certification Exams." NBCHPN(R), with expert assistance from Applied Measurement Professionals of Olathe, KS, offers a unique opportunity for you to make a direct contribution to developing the certification examinations.
The workshop is offered as a three-part course; the first two parts must be done online, the third and last part is a live webinar. After completing the first two parts online, including posttest and evaluation, submit the online Item Writer Workshop Application for the third part. Choose one of three dates for the live webinar:
Thursday, April 26-3:00 to 4:30 PM ET
Tuesday, August 14-3:00 to 4:30 PM ET
Wednesday, November 14-10:30 AM to noon ET
Full details are posted at http://www.nbchpn.org.
THE PASSION OF HPNF-EDUCATION, RESEARCH, AND LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES FUNDED BY FAITHFUL DONORS
The value and the gratitude felt for the education, research, and leadership opportunities provided by the Hospice and Palliative Nurses Foundation (HPNF) is expressed by the words and deeds of the nursing professionals we seek to support. Here are the highlights of the foundation's activities made possible by the passion and financial support of our Board of Directors and our faithful donors and supporters.
HPNF proudly announces the recent availability and conferring of up to 11 scholarships benefitting hospice and palliative nursing professionals. The deadline for applications was December 1, 2011, and winners were announced in mid-December. Please visit http://www.hpnf.org for scholarship winners as well as details about future grant, award, and scholarship opportunities along with eligibility criteria and application materials! There were five conference scholarships available for the 2012 AAHPM/HPNA Annual Assembly in Denver, CO. There were six certification scholarships available for reimbursement of NBCHPN(R) examination and HPAR fees for certification and recertification. HPNF is so grateful to our donors and supporters who made these scholarships possible!
HPNF launched its Annual Hospice Appeal and its Annual Year-End Appeal. It's not too late! Please consider making a donation! We need your support! In 2012, HPNF will confer three research grants, one leadership award, 26 scholarships for education and conferences, and six membership grants, for a total of 36 opportunities. In 2011, these grants, awards, and scholarships served only 42% of the total applicants. Please help HPNF increase the number of opportunities available to nursing professionals and increase the percentage of nurse applicants served by making your donation! Visit http://www.hpnf.org and select DONATE NOW. Or call the foundation at 412-787-9301, and we will personally process your gift. Leading through giving.