2017 ANNUAL ASSEMBLY VISITS PHOENIX, ARIZONA
We are close to the start of the 2017 Annual Assembly in the warm and relaxing climate of Phoenix, Arizona, presented by the American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine (AAHPM) and the Hospice and Palliative Nurses Association (HPNA). The 2017 Annual Assembly takes place February 22 to 25 and is a key event in the hospice and palliative care field. We set a record number of attendees last year in Chicago and are well on our way of doing the same this year.
The AAHPM/HPNA Annual Assembly is designed for nurses, physicians, and other health care providers interested in acquiring, maintaining, or expanding the skills needed to function effectively in the field of hospice and palliative care.
As leaders in promoting excellence in hospice and palliative care, HPNA and AAHPM combine their expertise to advance the field, thus meeting the shared goal of improving quality of life for patients and families facing serious illness or life-threatening conditions.
This annual 3-day event brings together more than 3000 of your colleagues and peers to share research, clinical best practices, and practice-related guidance to advance the specialty and improve patient care. To find out more about the AAHPM/HPNA Annual Assembly, visit the event Web site at http://annualassembly.org.
FOUR HPNA PRECONFERENCES AT THE 2017 ANNUAL ASSEMBLY
This year, HPNA will be presenting 4 preconferences on Wednesday, February 22, before the 2017 Annual Assembly in Phoenix, Arizona. These include 2 all-day certification review courses for Advanced Certified Hospice and Palliative Nurses (ACHPNs) and Certified Hospice and Palliative Nurses (CHPNs) as mentioned in the article below, as well as the 2 other courses, the details of which are listed below.
The Shifting Sands of Palliative Care: Maximizing Clinical, Economic, and Humanistic Outcomes Across the Continuum of Care (P06)
Mary Lynn McPherson, PharmD, MA, BCPS, CPE
Wednesday, February 22, 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM
One of our favorites, Mary Lynn McPherson, PharmD, MA, BCPS, CPE, returns to the Annual Assembly this year with this brand new presentation. Those participating in this preconference will be able to analyze the continuum of palliative care venues that are available to patients with an advanced illness and differentiate strategies to optimize clinical, humanistic, and economic outcomes throughout the palliative care continuum of care. Participants will also be given an actual or simulated care of a patient with an advanced illness, and then they can apply strategies to facilitate a seamless transition in palliative care.
Palliative Nursing Leadership Intensive (P05)
Constance Dahlin, MSN, ANP-BC, ACHPN, FPCN, FAAN
Julie Tanner, BSN, RN, CHPN
Wednesday, February 22, 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM
This session will be led by 2 of our favorites, HPNA Director of Professional Practice Constance Dahlin, MSN, ANP-BC, ACHPN, FPCN, FAAN, and HPNA Education Specialist Julie Kelley Tanner, BSN, RN-BC, CHPN. Those attending this preconference will be able to differentiate essential nursing leadership qualities and apply 5 areas of palliative nursing leadership throughout workforce venues. They will also be able to develop an individualized leadership competency plan to maximize knowledge, transfer, and application. This preconference will be limited to a total of 80 registrants.
To register for one of these preconferences, as well as for the 2017 Annual Assembly, visit the event Web site at http://annualassembly.org.
ACHPN, CHPN CERTIFICATION REVIEW COURSES AT THE ANNUAL ASSEMBLY
As in past years, HPNA will be presenting both ACHPN and CHPN Certification Review Courses as preconferences at the 2017 Annual Assembly. Both courses will take place on Wednesday, February 22, from 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM.
Attendees of the ACHPN Certification Review Course will require a copy of Core Curriculum for the Advanced Practice Hospice and Palliative Registered Nurse, Fourth Edition, which is available at the HPNA Shop though our Web site, http://www.goHPNA.org. They will also need an ACHPN Candidate Handbook, available to download and print for free at http://www.goHPCC.org.
Attendees of the CHPN Certification Review Course will require a copy of Core Curriculum for the Hospice and Palliative Registered Nurse, Second Edition, which is available at the HPNA Shop though our Web site, http://www.goHPNA.org. They will also need a CHPN Candidate Handbook, available to download and print for free at http://www.goHPCC.org.
More details about these review courses and more information on the 2017 Annual Assembly, presented by AAHPM and HPNA, are available through our Web site at http://www.goHPNA.org, under "education" and "Annual Assembly," or at the event Web site at http://www.annualassembly.org.
HPNA ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING ANNOUNCEMENT
The annual HPNA Membership Meeting will be held on Friday, February 24, 2017, in Phoenix, Arizona, during the 2017 Annual Assembly, presented by AAHPM and HPNA.
RENEW NOW AND LOCK IN THE CURRENT DUES RATE FOR 2 YEARS
The HPNA Board of Directors recently approved an increase in the membership fees for registered nurses (RNs). Effective March 1, 2017, the RN 1-year membership level will increase to $115, whereas the 2-year membership rate increases to $210. All other HPNA membership levels will remain unchanged for 2017.This is the first dues increase for HPNA since 2012, while membership benefits continue to increase.
Over the last 2 years, we have significantly enhanced the value of our member benefit package to include an upgraded online member portal, additional Special Interest Group communities, an HPNA app, increased national public policy and advocacy presence, a new HPNA Career Center, and a growing collection of educational classes, products, and services. In 2016, we also increased access to the Journal of Hospice and Palliative Nursing to all membership levels.
You can lock in your membership at the current rates of $99 for 1 year or $180 for 2 years by renewing before March 1, 2017. Any early renewal is automatically extended from the original expiration date, meaning that you will not lose any months of membership by renewing now. If you have any questions or would like additional information, please contact Chad Reilly, HPNA director of membership, at mailto:[email protected] or at 412-787-9319.
ELNEC 2017 DATES AND LOCATIONS
HPNA and the End-of-Life Nursing Education Consortium (ELNEC) have once again teamed up for a series of educational events for 2017. The dates for the courses are as follows:
* April 25 to 26, Savannah, Georgia
* July 11 to 12, Omaha, Nebraska
* October 18 to 19, Buffalo, New York
For more information and how to register, visit our Web site at http://www.goHPNA.org, then click on "education" and "ELNEC" courses.
2017 HPNA BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS
The HPNA Board of Directors is pleased to announce that the 2017 board officers are Donna L. Morgan, BSN, RN, CHPN, CHPCA, serving as president; Debra L. Weigand, PhD, RN, CCRN, CHPN, FAFA, FPCN, FAAN, serving as president-elect; and Virginia (Ginger) Marshall, MSN, ACNP-BC, ACHPN, FPCN, serving as secretary/treasurer.
Other board members include Joseph F. Ebberwein, BBA, MPS; Alicia A. Mooney, RN; Beth Martin, NP; Holli Martinez, FNP, BC, ACHPN, FPCN; and Polly M. Mazanec, PhD, ACNP-BC.
HPNA BOARD OF DIRECTORS SEEKS NOMINATIONS
The HPNA Board Development and Leadership Committee is seeking nominations (including self-nominations) for individuals to serve on the 2018 Board of Directors. Full application details are available on the HPNA Web site at http://www.goHPNA.org.
VISIT OUR ONLINE SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS
One of the benefits of HPNA membership are the online Special Interest Groups, or SIGs, offered through the HPNA member portal at no additional cost. Each SIG approaches a variety of clinical and administrative topics found within an area or specialty and helps members keep current with industry trends by connecting with others across the country. Members of each SIG are notified of new discussion threads by dedicated e-mail messages and/or online discussion boards found within the HPNA member portal. Our current SIGs are as follows:
* APN [black small square] ICU
* Bioethics [black small square] LPN/LVN
* Certification [black small square] Pediatrics
* Geriatrics and LTC [black small square] Public Policy
* Heart Failure [black small square] Public Relations
* HPNA Chapters [black small square] Research
All active HPNA members are permitted to join an unlimited number of SIGs. To request to join any of the HPNA SIGs, simply log in to the HPNA member portal (http://www.goHPNA.org) and select "Communities" for a complete listing of available SIGs.
HPNA APPROVED EDUCATOR PROGRAM UPDATED
The HPNA Education Department took the opportunity last fall to review the HPNA Approved Educator Program and has updated and enhanced both how members can become approved educators and how current approved educators can renew. Specific details on the changes and the new processes are available on our Web site at http://www.goHPNA.org under "Education" and "Approved Educator."
HPCC TO DISCONTINUE 2 EXAMS
Beginning on January 1, 2018, the Hospice and Palliative Credentialing Center (HPCC) will no longer offer the Certified Hospice and Palliative Care Administrator (CHPCA) or Certified Hospice and Palliative Licensed Nurse (CHPLN) examinations to new applicants. The last opportunity to earn either the CHPCA or CHPLN as a new credential through examination is through December 31, 2017. HPCC will continue to offer a recertification process for individuals who have obtained and maintained these 2 credentials.
A lower than expected number of examination candidates over the past several years has made these programs difficult to maintain. We have 314 total individuals with the CHPCA certification over nearly 10 years of the program, and applications have lowered the last several years, dropping 12.5% between 2015 and 2016. We have more than 1000 CHPLN certificants in 12 years of the program, and applications have dropped here as well, with a decrease in 2016 of more than 35%.
Those who are currently certified as a CHPCA or CHPLN, or who earn these credentials by December 31, 2017, will be able to renew and maintain them through the Hospice and Palliative Accrual for Recertification (HPAR) process. Detailed information on HPAR is available on our Web site at http://www.goHPCC.org under "certification," or you may contact the HPCC staff for additional assistance at 412-787-1057 or mailto:[email protected].
HPCC EXAMINATION SCHEDULE FOR 2017
Hospice and Palliative Credentialing Center (HPCC) announces that the 2017 computer-based testing schedule is the same as 2016. The 4 testing windows are March, June, September, and December. The testing schedule with application deadlines and instructions are posted in each credential's candidate handbook, which is available on our Web site, http://www.goHPCC.org, under "certification."
The following chart shows testing window dates and received-by application deadlines:
2017 HPCC CERTIFICATION RENEWAL
All certificants whose certification expires in 2017 should visit the Web site http://www.goHPCC.org for details regarding renewal of their certification. The most current Hospice and Palliative Accrual for Recertification (HPAR) information is available under "certification," then "certification and recertification" and listed under each credential.
Advanced Certified Hospice and Palliative Nurses and CHPNs will use the online recertification process called LearningBuilder to submit their HPAR applications. CHPNs no longer have the option of testing for recertification and will be required to submit HPAR for renewal of certification.
All applications for renewal can be received in the national office anytime between January 1 and October 31, 2017, for the standard fee. If you have any questions about the HPAR process for any certification, please contact us at mailto:[email protected] or call 412-787-1057.
In addition, the Hospice and Palliative Nurses Foundation (HPNF) offers certification scholarships that cover the registration costs for those recertifying as well as those certifying for the first time. Visit http://www.goHPNF.org under "certification" for more about these scholarships.
HPCC CERTIFICATION REACTIVATION FOR ACHPNs AND CHPNs
Candidates who miss their deadline for recertification and meet the requirements for reactivation may use the LearningBuilder platform to submit for reactivation according to individualized adjustments for dates of submission. Reactivation by testing is not an option. Reactivation will be available for 3 years after the expiration of a credential. Nurses may not use the credential after it expires but may use it again after being notified that their certification has been reactivated. Reactivation is not retroactive, and the certification period will begin when notified and continue for 4 years from that date. For example, if a nurse who was due to renew in 2016 missed the final deadline and applies for and is granted reactivation February 15, 2017, that certification will expire February 15, 2021.
For more details, please see the HPAR packet found at http://www.goHPCC.org under "certification," then listed under "recertification" for each individual credential.
STAY CONNECTED
In an effort to maintain contact with you as a certificant, please ensure that your e-mail address is current. E-mail us at mailto:[email protected] or call the national office if your e-mail has changed or to confirm your current e-mail.
HPCC BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The HPCC Board of Directors welcomes 3 new members to the 2017 board.
* Mark Bertler, CAE, from Los Angeles, California
* Todd Hultman, PhD, ACNP, ACHPN, from Denver, Colorado
* Kevin Yarrow, CHPCA, from Plano, Texas
These new directors will join Amy Beasley, DNP, RN, CHPN; Kathleen Broglio, DNP, ANP-BC, ACHPN, CPE, FPCN; Catherine Glennon, RN, MHS, OCN, NE-BC; Kimberly Kidd, RN, CHPN, CHPCA; Susan Koff, MSN, ARNP, GNP-BC, ACHPN, CRRN; Joyce Palmieri, MS, RN, CHPN; and Stacy Smith, MLS, BSN, RN, CHPPN, on the 2017 HPCC Board of Directors.
2017 ITEM WRITING WORKSHOP
Learn more about item writing by attending the workshop "Secrets of Competency Testing: Writing Items for Hospice and Palliative Certification Exams." The HPCC, with expert assistance from PSI/Applied Measurement Professionals, offers a unique opportunity for you to make a direct contribution to developing the certification examinations.
The workshop is offered as a 3-part course. The first 2 parts must be done online, but the third and last part is a live webinar. After completing the first 2 courses online, including posttest and evaluation, submit the online Item Writing Workshop (IWW) Application for the third session. You can choose 1 of 3 dates listed as follows for the live webinar:
* Wednesday, March 15, 2017, 3:00 to 4:30 PM ET
* Wednesday, June 28, 2017, 10:30 AM to 12:00 noon ET
* Tuesday, October 24, 2017, 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM ET
Learn more about our IWW at http://www.goHPCC.org, under "certification" and "exam development."
DID YOU KNOW? HPNF OFFERS RESEARCH GRANT AWARDS
The HPNF offers 2 prestigious research grant awards, the Certification Research Grant and the End-of-Life Nursing Care Research Grant.
The Certification Research Grant has been offered by HPNF since 2009. The purpose of this grant is to help build a better understanding of the impact of palliative nursing certification on patient outcomes. Previous research has demonstrated that certified and noncertified nurses value certification. More recent research has begun to examine the impact of certification on patient outcomes. Studies done in the acute care setting suggest that care environments with a higher proportion of certified nurses have better patient outcomes. Replicating this research in the hospice or palliative care environment would advance our understanding of the value of palliative nursing certification. Proposal deadline is June 1. For further information, please visit our Web site at http://www.goHPNF.org, under "research" and "research grant opportunities."
The End-of-Life Nursing Care Research Grant is an HPNF collaboration with Sigma Theta Tau International Foundation for Nursing (STTI Foundation). Since 2004, Sigma Theta Tau International and HPNF have partnered to offer this annual research grant. With the goal of encouraging qualified nurses' contributions to the advancement of nursing care through research, 1 grant of up to $10 000 is awarded annually. Proposals for pilot and/or developmental research may be submitted. The application deadline for the award is April 1. For further information, please click on this link, http://www.nursingsociety.org/advance-elevate/research/research-grants/hospice-a.
Be sure to explore the HPNF Web site at http://www.goHPNF.org for information about these and other scholarships, grants, and awards. There you will find information about opportunities, application materials, and recipient announcements.
SUPPORT US THROUGH YOUR GIFTS
The HPNF can provide these continuing educational opportunities though your kind and generous donations. Please consider a gift to help us continue to advance expert care, through our annual appeal or another one of our campaigns. 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 these highly acclaimed conferences, earning specialty certification, attaining accredited degrees, and seeking evidence-based research. Visit our Web site to learn more at http://www.goHPNF.org. Thank you for your support!
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