LEADERSHIP IS A PILLAR OF EXCELLENCE
Leadership is a Pillar of Excellence shared by our 3 organizations. Each year, the Hospice and Palliative Nurses Association (HPNA) hosts a "Leadership Weekend" and invites approximately 100 nurses from across the nation to attend this leadership development program in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Historically, this event focused on leadership development, mentoring, recognition, and peer-to-peer networking for the HPNA Chapter leaders. However, in 2014 and again in 2015, the program has been expanded to include nurses from each of our specialty councils, in addition to APNs and Fellows in Palliative Care Nursing are persons awarded a trademarked credential. The Leadership Weekend is funded by HPNA and is a very popular venue with our members. The new Chapter Charters and Chapter Education Grants, which are sponsored by the Hospice and Palliative Nurses Foundation (HPNF), are also awarded during the weekend.
In 2014, 3 organizations published a Joint Position Statement on Palliative Nursing Leadership (http://advancingexpertcare.org/palliative-nursing-leadership/), which states the following:
[white circle] Palliative nursing leadership is transformative, leading to improved care of patients with advanced serious illness and influencing the values of care across all health care delivery settings.
[white circle] Palliative nursing leadership should be encouraged, developed, and recognized at all levels and in all aspects of palliative nursing, including clinical practice, management and administration, education, research, and policy.
[white circle] Palliative nursing leadership is advanced by palliative nurse involvement with national health care initiatives, collaboration with other nursing specialties, and engagement of other health care professionals to enhance quality palliative care.
The Position Statement highlights the leadership roles and opportunities for palliative nurses in the following areas: clinical, management/administration, research, education, and policy/advocacy. The Position Statement was shared with members and certificants and is utilized as a key discussion topic during advocacy visits. The Position Statement and our new Education Strategic Plan, which utilizes Benner's From Novice to Expert framework, will serve as a guide to HPNA as we develop new leadership programs, services, and resources for hospice and palliative nurses.
In 2009, HPNA recognized its first cohort of Fellows in Palliative Care Nursing (FPCNs). The FPCN designation recognizes nursing experts who have made significant contributions in the specialty of palliative nursing. Fellows must be an RN and have been actively engaged in the work of the organization for a minimum of 5 years. The fellows must also have demonstrated evidence of progressive leadership expertise over the last 5 years. The HPNA Board conducted a survey of the FPCNs in 2013 and is currently implementing new strategies to more actively engage the fellows in the ongoing work of the association. There are currently 45 nurses who have achieved the designation as an FPCN.
In 2012, HPNA and HPNF announced the Palliative Nursing Leadership Institute. This leadership program began with a weeklong education and leadership development program. Over the next 2 years, the participants participated in periodic leadership program webinars and worked on individual leadership projects. The projects included development of a social media guide for HPNA members as a way to increase the visibility of nurse leaders, development of palliative nursing curriculum into a baccalaureate nursing program curriculum, and implementation of a palliative care program and the impact on quality care. This program was completed in 2015.
HPNA continues to include nursing leadership as an integral component of the annual Clinical Practice Forum held each year in the fall, "Professional and Clinical Issues in Palliative Nursing." Last year Betty Ferrell, PhD, MA, RN, FAAN, FPCN, CHPN, presented the plenary session on Palliative Nursing Leadership. Our 2015 seminar will be held October 23 to 24 in Pittsburgh, and the plenary sessions each day will focus on nursing leadership. On day 1, Diana Mason, PhD, RN, FAAN, will present on the status of the "IOM Future of Nursing Goals." The plenary session on day 2, "Palliative Nursing Leadership," will be presented by Connie Dahlin, ANP-BC, ACHPN, FPCN, FAAN. HPNA also hosted a session on Palliative Nursing Leadership at the Annual Assembly meeting, which was held in conjunction with the American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine (AAHPM) in February 2015.
Another HPNA leadership initiative is to nominate qualified nurses to serve on national boards, committees, and panels. Over the past several years, HPNA has submitted numerous nominations, which have resulted in palliative nurses being included in very influential venues, such as the Institute of Medicine Committee on Approaching Death (Pamela Hinds, PhD, RN), NQF MAP Clinical Users Group (Connie Dahlin, ANP-BC, ACHPN, FPCN, FAAN), AAHPM/HPNA "Measuring What Matters" Project (Sally Norton PhD, RN, FNAP, FPCN, FAAN, and Keela Herr, PhD, RN, AGSF, FAAN), Pain Care Forum subgroup on Institute of Medicine Pain Workgroup and State Pain Policy Advocacy Network (Kathleen Broglio, DNP, ANP-BC, ACHPN), and National Partnership to Improve Dementia Care in Nursing Homes (Carol Long, PhD, RN, FPCN). HPNA will continue to seek opportunities to submit nominations for qualified palliative nurses to serve at the national level to promote the valuable role of both nursing and palliative care.
In addition to our internal work, we are active participants in national nursing and health care coalitions such as the nursing community, the American Nurses Association Organizational Affiliates, and the National Coalition for Hospice and Palliative Care. In the fourth quarter of 2014, HPNA became a member of the Champion Nursing Council, which serves in an advisory capacity to the Future of Nursing Campaign for Action.
Our 3 organizations are committed to supporting the development of palliative nursing leaders so that these nurses can lead the achievement of our shared vision "to transform the care and culture of serious illness."
Sally Welsh, MSN, RN, NEA-BC
Chief Executive Officer
NEW SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS NOW AVAILABLE
Great news for all HPNA members! There are 4 new Special Interest Groups (SIGs) now available online to members of the association. Each SIG approaches a variety of clinical and administrative topics found within a particular area the specialty. In addition, the SIGs help members in keeping current with industry trends by connecting with other HPNA members across the country. Members of SIGs are notified of new discussion threads by dedicated e-mail messages and/or online discussion boards found within the HPNA Member Portal. The 4 new SIGs are as follows:
* ICU
* Pediatrics
* Heart Failure
* LPN/LVN
These 4 groups join the current SIG lineup of APN, Public Policy, Bioethics, and Research. All active HPNA members are permitted to join an unlimited number of SIGS. To request to join any of the SIGs, simply log in to the HPNA Member Portal (http://www.goHPNA.org) and select "Communities" for a complete listing of available groups. Hope to see you as an SIG member soon!
DON'T FORGET: E-LEARNING COURSES ARE INCLUDED WITH YOUR MEMBERSHIP
HPNA E-Learning allows for access to up-to-date, convenient, self-paced learning with real-time test grading and printing of your CE certificate. Continuing nursing education contact hours are awarded to the programs. The courses are developed based on current health care trends, clinical issues related to care approaches for the patient and their family, and practice issues related for and in collaboration with other members of the interprofessional team. Case-based scenarios may be included to utilize the nursing process in the management of the patient.
Our professional presenters have the knowledge, experience, and expertise in the subject matter and are committed to promote quality care to persons with advanced illnesses. The topics reflect domains in the Hospice and Palliative Credentialing Center (HPCC) detailed test content outlines (candidate handbooks).
Some of HPNA's most popular clinical courses include the following:
* The Picture of Heart Failure
* Using Best Evidence to Support Your Practice
* Psychiatric Issues in Palliative Care
* Opioids in Palliative Care
* Pain Management for All Ages: 0-100 in 90 Minutes
More than 60 additional courses available on a variety of clinical topics!
Log into MEMBERS ONLY for unlimited access HPNA E-Learning courses. However, you must access the HPNA E-Learning courses from the link on the member's-only page to have full access.
13TH ANNUAL LEADERSHIP WEEKEND HIGHLIGHTS SUMMER MONTHS FOR HPNA
Things are abuzz in the national office as it prepares for the 2015 HPNA Leadership Weekend. This dynamic event, which celebrates its 13th anniversary this year, is designed for attendees to share information about the integrated chapter model, problem solve with other chapter/group representatives, develop leadership skills, and enhance personal communication techniques. Event activities also present an invaluable opportunity to meet and personally interact with the HPNA Board of Directors and other national leaders within the specialty.
The 2015 Leadership Weekend will be held July 24 to 26, 2015, in beautiful Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and promises to be HPNA's largest Leadership Weekend to date. In fact, the national office is expecting more than 135 attendees at this year's event! The growth of Leadership Weekend is not surprising, as the HPNA Board of Directors has made a commitment to provide financial support for 1 local chapter representative or qualifying provisional group leader to attend the weekend each year-EXPENSE FREE! This year's event will also include attendees from the HPNA Fellows Program, Advisory Councils, and other leadership groups within the association.
For additional information regarding the HPNA Chapter program, please visit http://www.goHPNA.org.
SECOND CALL FOR PROPOSALS OPEN
Planning is underway for the 2016 AAHPM/HPNA Annual Assembly to be held in Chicago, Illinois, on March 9 to 12, 2016. Dates for the 2 upcoming calls are as follows:
July 1 to August 4, 2015-second call for papers and posters
October 1 to November 3, 2015-third call for case submissions
All proposals must be submitted via http://www.aahpm.org.
NINTH ANNUAL CLINICAL PRACTICE FORUM
Please join us and the exceptional faculty for the 2015 HPNA Clinical Practice Forum: "Clinical and Professional Issues in Hospice and Palliative Care" on October 23 to 24, 2015, at the Sheraton Station Square Hotel, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
The conference will provide state-of-the-science information related to the practice of palliative nursing that includes case presentations with interactive discussions. The HPNA Clinical Practice Forum focuses on current hospice and palliative care issues for registered nurses and advanced practice nurses. This year, there will be evidence-based presentations related to symptom management, communication, professional issues, regulations, and leadership.
Highlights for this 2015 conference include the following:
Keynote address: Nurses Improving the Health of a Nation: On the Sidelines or Leading? Presented by Diana J. Mason, PhD, RN, FAAN
Day 2 plenary session address: Constance Dahlin, ANP-BC, ACHPN FPCN FAAN
Three PRECONFERENCE SESSION offerings
Posters, exhibits, networking!
Back by popular demand: Advanced Certified Hospice and Palliative Nurse (ACHPN) and Certified Hospice and Palliative Nurse (CHPN) Certification Review Courses will be offered on October 22, 2015.
For full details and registration, visit the HPNA Web site, http://www.goHPNA.org.
HOSPICE AND PALLIATIVE CREDENTIALING CENTER (HPCC) SEPTEMBER TESTING WINDOW IS OPEN
Examination applications for the September 2015 testing window are being accepted. The paper application deadline was July 15, and online applications are accepted until August 15, 2015.
To apply online or download the Candidate Handbook, visit our Web site, http://www.goHPCC.org.
HPCC RECERTIFICATION
All HPCC certifications are a 4-year cycle. If you are due to renew your certification, visit the HPCC Web site (http://www.goHPCC.org). Choose your credential and then "Recertification" to learn about your renewal requirements and options for renewal. If Hospice and Palliative Accrual for Renewal (HPAR) is an option for renewal of your certification, please note that various enhancements of professional development activities have been incorporated into the HPAR process for all certificants that will provide more opportunities for them to demonstrate their continuing competence. The date of submission has also been changed. All HPAR submissions whether online or paper have a new due date of 8 weeks prior to the date of expiration of certification. Those submitting HPAR in 2015 have until October 31, 2015, to collect points and complete/submit their recertification requirements at the standard fee.
TAKE A SELF-ASSESSMENT EXAM IN PREPARATION FOR YOUR CERTIFICATION EXAMINATION!
Self-assessment Exams (SAEs) are learning tools available as Web tests on the Internet. They serve as practice tools to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of a candidate who is interested in the certification and recertification process in hospice and palliative care nursing. Six SAEs are available (http://www.goHPCC.org):
Hospice and Palliative Advanced Practice Registered Nurse SAE (APRN SAE)
Hospice and Palliative Registered Nurse SAE (RN SAE)
Hospice and Palliative Pediatric Registered Nurse SAE (Pediatric Nurse SAE)
Hospice and Palliative Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse SAE (LP/VN SAE)
Hospice and Palliative Nursing Assistant SAE (NA SAE)
Hospice and Palliative Care Administrator SAE (ADM SAE)
CERTIFIED NURSES ARE EVERYWHERE
You know-but do your patients and their families know?
* Certified nurses have demonstrated their knowledge through a rigorous examination-a process that includes qualifying by meeting practice or education eligibility criteria and then maintaining their credential through reassessment of that knowledge throughout their career.
* Certified nurses choose to seek certification-demonstrating their expertise, knowledge, and commitment.
* National certification is the only way to have nursing specialty knowledge validated by an impartial third party.
* Certified nurses must maintain their core specialty knowledge base and keep up with the changes in health care through ongoing targeted education and continuing competence assessments.
HPCC is pleased to be part of the consumer awareness campaign-Certified Nurses Are Everywhere! This national public service announcement endeavor encompasses broadcast and cable television, Internet ads, and transit ads in major designated market areas across the country. Its purpose is to inform the public that "nurses can be nationally certified in their nursing specialty," such as obstetrics, women's health, neonatal, oncology, surgical, pediatrics, anesthesia, and hospice and palliative care-just to name a few.
HOSPICE AND PALLIATIVE NURSES FOUNDATION
The theme for this year's National Nurses Week was "Ethical Practice, Quality Care." How does the HPNF do its part? By providing members of the HPNA with scholarships to evidence-based conferences, and certificants of the HPCC with scholarships to certify in their specialty, so that both groups provide patients and families with excellent quality care.
HPNF just held its first round for scholarship, grant, and leadership award offerings. Continue to check the Web site, http://www.gohpnf.org, for announcements of the recipients. New in 2015 are scholarships to End of Life Nursing Education Consortium (ELNEC), enhanced and additional scholarships to the HPNA Clinical Practice Forum, and many additional scholarships for HPCC certification and renewal! Get details at http://www.goHPNF.org, or you can contact the foundation directly by e-mail or phone, mailto:[email protected] or 412-787-9318 (direct line!).
How does HPNF provide these opportunities and more? Through your donations. Please consider a gift to our annual appeal, Honor Nurses! Pay tribute to your entire nursing team, a colleague, a family member, or a friend. Just provide the name(s) of your honoree at the time of your donation. Your gift from $50 to $500, or whatever you can, supports nurses in attending highly acclaimed conferences, earning specialty certification, attaining accredited degrees, and seeking evidence-based research (http://hpnf.advancingexpertcare.org/giving/appeal/). Thank you for your support.
Advancing Expert Care Campaign Corporate Partnership Program Patrons