Hawaii hospice nurses to start HPNA chapter

The Hospice and Palliative Nurses Association is launching a new Hawaii provisional group with the intention that it becomes a chartered chapter of HPNA within the next 18 months. HPNA is a membership organization for individual members of the nursing team working in the specialty of palliative nursing across the life span continuum, according to its website.

Incorporated in 1987 as the Hospice Nurses Association, the organization was created to establish a network and support for nurses in this specialty. In 1998, HPNA formally added palliative care to the organization to recognize the needs of nurses working in palliative care settings separate from hospice.  

HPNA is a 501(c)(6) organization and is nationally recognized as the organization providing resources and support for advanced practice nurses, registered nurses, licensed practical nurses and nursing assistants who care for people with life-limiting and terminal illness.

A local HPNA chapter would provide education, networking, peer support and a variety of other services to nurses in the islands. If you are interested, please contact Nicole Ruch at nicole_ruch@yahoo.com.