The Hospice and Palliative Nurses Association (HPNA) is a professional organization that promotes excellence in hospice and palliative nursing care. The HPNA provides education, resources, and support for nurses to ensure they have the skills and knowledge to give high-quality care to patients and their families. The organization also works to improve access to hospice and palliative care for patients in need. The HPNA is committed to promoting the highest standards of ethical and compassionate care and is a trusted source of information and support for hospice and palliative nurses. In this short essay, you will learn about the missions of HPNA, the importance of palliative care education for nurses, and what other benefits the organization provides for nurses (networking, nursing educational credits, etc.)
Introduction – HPNA (Hospice and Palliative Nurses Association)
The overarching nature of terminal illnesses creates an acute need for highly qualified hospice and palliative care nursing professionals. In most medical settings, at varying stages of chronic diseases, and within different age categories, palliative care remains one of the most demanded specialties among nurses. By educating healthcare professionals and supporting research in the field, the Hospice and Palliative Nurses Association (HPNA) aims to improve the quality of healthcare for terminally ill patients.
Currently, HPNA is one of the most significant professional nursing associations in the United States, connecting nursing professionals in palliative care. With the mission of advancing expert care in severe diseases, the organization envisions its work in transforming the care and culture of terminal sicknesses (“Hospice & palliative care nurses association,” 2019). As noted by Lunney (2015), the main goal of HPNA is to guide research by outlining critical gaps in knowledge that limit access to high-quality care.
Hospice and Palliative Nurses Association Membership
Becoming a member of the Hospice and Palliative Nurses Association (HPNA) is an excellent opportunity for nurses interested in hospice and palliative care. As a member, they get access to many resources, including educational opportunities, networking events, and a community of experts in the field. Additionally, HPNA offers discounts on continuing education courses and access to a comprehensive online library.
Benefits of HPNA Membership
According to “HPNA” (2019), by joining HPNA as a member, one obtains such benefits as access to online e-learning courses with continuing nursing educational credits (CNEs) and a discount for Hospice and Palliative Credentialing Center certification. Members also receive a free subscription to two related scholarly journals and monthly newsletters, access to the members-only section on the company’s official website, and networking opportunities (“HPNA,” 2019). Ultimately, the membership package includes a comprehensive range of benefits for the nurses, contributing to their increased awareness of the subject matter.
Creating networking opportunities remains an integral part of HPNA’s agenda. In collaboration with the Annual Assembly of Hospice and Palliative Care, the organization coordinates conferences, seminars, and training for palliative care providers (“HPNA,” 2019). Through shared knowledge and combined expertise, healthcare professionals might acquire, maintain, and expand the essential skills to improve the quality of life for families and individuals with life-threatening diseases.
How HPNA Maintains the Awareness of Nurses
HPNA keeps its members informed of the upcoming changes in the hospice and palliative care industry in many ways. As acknowledged in “HPNA” (2019), first, the professional association organizes informative conferences, training, and educational sessions, where nursing care providers acquire new knowledge and get prepared to share it. Second, the organization sends monthly email newsletters to raise awareness about upcoming events and heated discussion topics in the field. Third, HPNA provides relevant links to the current studies on palliative care that may affect the everyday practice of the members (“HPNA,” 2019). Altogether, these collaborative efforts contribute to the increased knowledge of the nurses and better implementation of the clinical guidelines.
Continuing education and professional development is another first-class priority of HPNA. The organization provides an opportunity to enroll in e-learning courses throughout the year to review the theoretical portion for certification and recertification exams (“HPNA,” 2019). HPNA also coordinates externships and fellowship for young specialists, giving partial and full scholarships to the students. The clinical practice forum, professional podcasts, and orientation for registered nurses finalize the professional development path in HPNA.
Conclusion
In conclusion, HPNA aims to educate nursing providers and fund research in the field of hospice and palliative care, seeking to improve the quality of healthcare for patients experiencing life-threatening diseases. The organization does not only provide continuing opportunities for learning and professional development but also connects nursing professionals in a powerful network collaboration inside the United States. By raising awareness and updating current research in the field, the HPNA shares up-to-date knowledge with its members, improving their everyday practice.
References
Hospice & palliative care nurses association. (2019). Web.
Lunney, J. R. (2015). Hospice and palliative nurses association 2015-2018 research agenda. Journal of Hospice & Palliative Nursing, 17(2), 119-127. Web.