What role can psychedelics play in helping terminally ill patients face death with peace, clarity, and meaning? In this episode, we welcome Hannah Whitmore, PhD, RN, CHPN®, a Registered Nurse and PhD researcher whose work—The Pragmatism of Palliative Care—explores the clinical potential of Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy (PAT) to support death acceptance in patients at the end of life. Dr. Whitmore brings a compassionate and evidence-based lens to a topic that challenges long-standing models of car...
Jul 01, 2025•20 min•Ep. 63
In this special episode, recorded on June 24 and released on June 25, we bring you a timely dispatch from Washington, D.C., where the Hospice and Palliative Nurses Association (HPNA) leadership and staff engaged in direct advocacy on Capitol Hill. Join Gayle Gerdes, Vice President of Health Policy Source and consultant to HPNA, and HPNA Manager of Advocacy and Health Policy Sarah Potter as they reflect on their experiences meeting with congressional staffers about HPNA’s public policy priorities...
Jun 25, 2025•31 min•Ep. 62
In this episode, we hear from Deb Russell, RN, MSN, FNP-BC, APRN-CNP, ACHPN® with more than 20 years in the field, currently leading care in an outpatient, harm-reduction-based palliative clinic. She provides palliative support to patients undergoing active cancer treatment who are also living with substance use disorders—a population with complex and often unmet needs. Deb shares firsthand insight into: Navigating symptom management during cancer treatment in patients with active addiction Buil...
Jun 02, 2025•24 min•Ep. 61
In this deeply personal and resonant episode, longtime hospice nurse and podcast host of The Heart of Hospice, Helen Bauer, BSN RN CHPN®, shares an intimate look at the soul of hospice nursing — the part that’s rarely documented but always deeply felt. With more than seven years behind the mic and a career alongside patients and families at the bedside, Helen reflects on the intimacy and intensity of hospice care, and the challenges of translating those sacred moments into clinical notes and che...
May 01, 2025•25 min•Ep. 60
In this episode, we explore the profound impact of Kelli Anspach MSN, CV-BC, NPD-BC, CHPN®'s thriving and sustainable training program, which has successfully trained more than 1,000 hospital nurses over the past 10 years through the End-of-Life Nursing Education Consortium (ELNEC) program, founded by Betty Ferrell PhD, MSN, CHPN®. By providing nurses with the essential skills and knowledge to lead compassionate palliative care conversations, this initiative empowers staff to facilitate critical...
Apr 01, 2025•22 min•Ep. 59
Join us for an insightful episode featuring seasoned Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Meggan Mikal-DeMont DNP, APRN-FPA, PCNS-BC, CPNP-PC, CHPPN ®, FPCN® with more than10 years of experience in palliative care and pain management. In this whole-hearted interview, she reflects on her husband’s nine-month experience with Stage IV colorectal cancer and offers an insider’s perspective as both a palliative care clinician and caregiver- how as a couple they navigated the miracle they were hoping for withi...
Mar 03, 2025•27 min•Ep. 58
In this episode, we hear from nurses and nurse practitioners who attended the 2025 Annual Assembly of Hospice & Palliative Care. Whether it’s their first time attending or they attend this conference year after year, they share what brings them to the event, what inspires them, and the key takeaways they plan to bring back to their clinical practice. Tune in for an inside look at how the Annual Assembly is shaping the future of hospice and palliative care.
Feb 14, 2025•18 min•Ep. 57
In this episode, we explore two innovative projects—Project UPHOLDS (Utilizing Palliative care for Heart failure Optimized using Lay navigators to Decrease Suffering) and Project ADAPT HF (ADdressing All Pain Through navigator-led palliative care optimized for Heart Failure)—which focus on utilizing community-based lay navigators to optimize palliative care for heart failure, especially among older Black adults. We delve into the importance of shared decision-making and how co-designed intervent...
Feb 03, 2025•24 min•Ep. 56
In this episode, three HPNA Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Belonging (DEIB) Committee members reflect on their lived experience- how positionality impacts the way they show up to their work as hospice and palliative care clinicians and researchers and how they've shifted from cultural competency toward cultural responsiveness. Together, these experts discuss how our knowledge and actions must evolve in the face of new information, and how we can foster a healthcare environment that not only...
Jan 02, 2025•17 min•Ep. 55
In this episode, host Lynn Reinke, PhD, ANP-BC, FAAN, FPCN®, ATSF discusses approaches to philanthropy with Amy Jacobs, MSN, RN and Catherine Pyke, M.A. Ed., board members of the Hospice and Palliative Nurses Foundation. Related Resources: Learn more about the Hospice and Palliative Nurses Foundation (HPNF) Contribute to HPNF's 2024 Annual Appeal About the Speakers: Amy Jacobs, MSN, RN Amy Jacobs received her BSN from Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania and her MSN from the University of South...
Dec 02, 2024•17 min•Ep. 54
This brief episode offers an update from Mary Lynn McPherson, PharmD, PhD, FAAHPM and Alexandra L. McPherson, PharmD, MPH. Listen for an update on the patient discussed in Episode 38. Related Resources: Episode 38: Discharged to Airport: Navigating Complex Symptom Management Down on the Pharm: Contemporary Issues in Pharmacopalliation About the Speakers: Mary Lynn McPherson, PharmD, PhD, FAAHPM Dr. McPherson has practiced hospice and palliative care as a clinical pharmacist her entire career. Sh...
Nov 14, 2024•4 min•Ep. 53
In this episode, Mary Lynn McPherson, PharmD, PhD, FAAHPM and Alexandra L. McPherson, PharmD, MPH discuss a complicated case involving a patient in her mid-50s from East Africa who is suffering from metastatic cancer. The conversation highlights the challenges of complex pain & symptom management while supporting a patient's goals of care. Related Resources: Down on the Pharm: Contemporary Issues in Pharmacopalliation About the Speakers: Mary Lynn McPherson, PharmD, PhD, FAAHPM Dr. McPherson...
Nov 01, 2024•32 min•Ep. 52
In this episode, pediatric palliative care nurse practitioner Mallory Fossa, MS, CPNP-PC, CCRN, CHPPN® discusses her experiences in pediatric palliative care with Kathy Perko, MS, PPCNP-BC, CHPPN®, CPON, CPLC, FPCN, FAPHON, a pediatric nurse for 40 years and PNP for 30 years. Together, they discuss the obstacles of managing pain in children, including communication between the patient, caregivers, and palliative care team. Topics discussed include assessment, management of pain including tissue ...
Oct 01, 2024•24 min•Ep. 51
In this episode, HPNA and HPNF board members Rikki Hooper and Yvonne Ruathaiwat expand on their perspectives and experiences regarding the palliative continuum of care, and how they break down the silos between palliative care and hospice. About the Speakers: Moderator: Lynn Reinke, PhD, ANP-BC, FAAN, FPCN, ATSF Featuring: Richelle (Rikki) Hooper, MBA, MSN, FNP-BC, ACHPN, NE-BC, FPCN Yvonne Ruathaiwat, RN, MSN, GCNS-BC, NE-BC Rikki Nugent Hooper MBA, MSN, FNP-BC, ACHPN® NE-BC, FPCN Rikki Hooper ...
Sep 03, 2024•26 min•Ep. 50
In this episode, Holli and Brett discuss the integration of the Family Frailty Score as an assessment tool for patients undergoing advanced heart failure therapies. Various key considerations surrounding the tool are discussed, including multidisciplinary team involvement, socioeconomic challenges, patient and family support, and more. Featuring: Brett Snodgrass, DNP, FNP-C, ACHPN®, FAANP Holli Martinez FNP-BC, ACHPN®, FPCN Brett Snodgrass, DNP, FNP-C, ACHPN®, FAANP Brett Snodgrass has been a re...
Aug 01, 2024•37 min•Ep. 49
In this episode, we welcome HPNA and HPNF board members Craig Durie, DNP, CRNP, ACHPN®, RNFA and Blake J. Tobias Jr., MHCI, MS, HA-ODL. Moderated by Board President Lynn Reinke, PhD, ANP-BC, FAAN, FPCN, ATSF, the group discusses their respective roles within health care, highlighting their commitment to improving patient outcomes through innovative practices and leadership in their respective professions. Featuring: Craig Durie, DNP, CRNP, ACHPN®, RNFA Blake J. Tobias Jr., MHCI, MS, HA-ODL Craig...
Jul 15, 2024•33 min•Ep. 48
In this episode, we welcome Dr. Christopher Kerr, who discusses his upcoming opening session for the Team Conference for Hospice & Palliative Care. Moderated by HPNA member and Team Conference planning committee chair Joan Carpenter, this episode touches on Dr. Kerr’s experiences and published research that describes and validates patients’ dreams and visions at the end of life. Learn more about the Team Conference for Hospice & Palliative Care and register today! About the Speakers: Mod...
Jul 01, 2024•20 min•Ep. 33
This episode features Chris Acevedo, CHC, the presenter of HPNA's upcoming three-part APRN billing and coding webinar series. Chris discusses the series, which is designed for APRNs practicing in Palliative Care and within the hospice benefit. Moderated by HPNA Board member, Mansara Hassan, the discussion touches on recent changes to billing, EMR documentation, billing restrictions, and more. Register for the three-part billing webinar series today! Registration is free for HPNA members. The Bas...
Jun 10, 2024•45 min•Ep. 47
In this episode, we welcome Dr. Heather Coats and Dr. Kelly Henrichs. Moderated by Dr. Betty Ferrell, this episode discusses the adult-gerontology nurse practitioner's role in hospice and palliative care. Listen in as Heather and Kelly touch on common areas for the nurse practitioner, examples of when two APRNs work together to care for a patient, the differences between primary and specialty care, and more. This podcast episode coincides with an article written by Heather and Kelly in the June ...
Jun 03, 2024•30 min•Ep. 46
In this episode, we welcome Tracy Fasolino and Mansara Hassan, board members from the Hospice & Palliative Nurses Association (HPNA) and the Hospice & Palliative Nurses Foundation (HPNF), Moderated by Lynn Reinke, this episode discusses the considerations surrounding caring for underserved patients in rural and urban settings. Resources from the Episode: HPNA DEIB Style Guide HPNF Diversity in Health Care Video Series HPNA Research Agenda HPNA Advocacy Efforts About the Speakers: Moderat...
May 02, 2024•30 min•Ep. 45
In this episode, we welcome Komal Patel Murali, PhD, RN, ACNP-BC, Chair of the HPNA DEIB Committee, and a panel of experts who provide an inside look at the Diversity in Health Care video series. The panel includes Dr. Leah Rosenberg, Dr. Rushil Patel, Reverend Katherine Engel, and Raniah El-Gendi. Listen to hear Dr. Murali ask the panel about their contributions to the video series and discuss the importance of providing interculturally sensitive care. The first in the series of Diversity in He...
Apr 19, 2024•38 min•Ep. 29
In this episode, we welcome Lynn Reinke, PhD, MSN, ARNP-BC, FAAN, FPCN back to the show where she speaks with HPNA’s 2024 President-Elect Masako Mayahara, PhD, RN, FAAN, CHPN, FPCN and HPNA’s Immediate Past President Michelle Webb, DNP, RN, CHPCA on the power of mentoring. About Lynn: Dr. Reinke is the Claire Dumke Ryberg, RN, Presidential Endowed Chair for Palliative and End of Life Care at the University of Utah, College of Nursing. In this role, she works to increase the palliative care workf...
Feb 23, 2024•23 min•Ep. 28
In this episode, we welcome Amisha Parekh de Campos, PhD, MPH, RN, CHPN to the show where she speaks on the research that she is conducting surrounding people of color in end-of-life care. Amisha speaks on the importance of incorporating race into practice to best serve our minority populations and how we can advocate for our patients of color. About Amisha: Amisha Parekh de Campos, PhD, MPH, RN, CHPN has a joint appointment as an Assistant Clinical Professor, University of Connecticut School of...
Jan 15, 2024•15 min•Ep. 43
In this episode, we welcome Lynn Reinke, PhD, MSN, ARNP-BC, FAAN, FPCN to the show where she speaks on mentoring, taking risks, and the engagement opportunities that have led her to the role of HPNA and HPNF’s 2024 President of the Board of Directors. Lynn also shares what excites her most about the HPNA Strategic Plan and her focus on building a strong community of hospice and palliative care nurses. About Lynn: Dr. Reinke is the Claire Dumke Ryberg, RN, Presidential Endowed Chair for Palliativ...
Jan 02, 2024•20 min•Ep. 44
In this episode, we welcome Shari Alton, ADN RN, CHPN and Deb Bershad, BSN, RN, CHPN, to talk about Death Cafe in the Phoenix Chapter of HPNA. Deb and Shari speak on how Death Cafe encourages open discourse about death and dying for healthcare professionals and how to get involved. About Shari: Shari Alton is an ADN RN, CHPN with 45 years of experience in the nursing field. Shari started as a CNA in 1978, then became an LPN and graduated from RN school in 1983. Her background includes inpatient ...
Dec 11, 2023•32 min•Ep. 42
In this episode, we welcome Pat Berry, PhD, APRN, CNP, GNP-BC, FPCN, FAAN, to the show where she speaks on the evolution of hospice care, how she was involved in these advancements, and some of the most valuable lessons she has learned in hospice. About Pat: Pat Berry, PhD, APRN, CNP, GNP-BC, FPCN, FAAN has 46 years of experience in Hospice and Palliative care including as a staff RN, quality improvement coordinator, Joint Commission hospice surveyor, educator, author, nurse practitioner, and re...
Nov 14, 2023•28 min•Ep. 41
This episode of Palliative Perspective introduces Sari Williams, RN, FNP-C, a supportive care provider based in California. In this episode, Sari speaks on her experience as a supportive care provider delving into the intricacies of her profession, including what fertility planning looks like for a palliative patient. Sari describes what she finds to be most impactful about her occupation, as well as what keeps her motivated to continue in this important field. About Sari: Sari Williams, RN, FNP...
Oct 11, 2023•18 min•Ep. 23
In this episode, we welcome Sarah Potter, Health Policy Specialist for the Hospice and Palliative Nurses Association. Sarah shares with us her experience working in public policy and how it translates into her current role. She explains how members can engage in federal public policy activities and why it is so important to share your stories and help advocate for hospice and palliative care. About Sarah: Sarah Potter serves as Health Policy Specialist at the Hospice and Palliative Nurses Associ...
Sep 13, 2023•17 min•Ep. 22
This episode of HPNA Podcast Corner welcomes guest Shelly Thomas to share with us A Day in the Life of a Certified Hospice and Palliative Care Licensed Practical Nurse. In this episode, Shelly speaks to the importance of certification and the role hospice LPNs play in the care of person and their families living with serious illness. The podcast describes the certified hospice LPNs role, the part they play on the interprofessional hospice team and Shelly’s personal reason for becoming certified....
Dec 15, 2021•14 min•Ep. 40
This episode of HPNA Podcast Corner welcomes guest Mary Kenney to share with us insight into a day in the life of a certified hospice aid. Mary is a certified hospice and palliative care nurse aid who has cared for those with life-limiting illnesses for over 20 years. In this episode, Mary speaks to the importance of certification and the role hospice aides play in the care of person and their families living with serious illness. The podcast describes the certified hospice aide’s role, the part...
Dec 01, 2021•19 min•Ep. 39
