The HPNA Board of Directors is pleased to announce that HPNA members will have expanded opportunities for networking and advanced clinical education in 2004. During the past few years, HPNA members have expressed a need for advanced clinical content related to palliative care. HPNA has responded, in part, by offering monthly teleconferences for its members. The first Wednesday of each month focuses on content for advanced practice; the second Wednesday, registered nurses; the third Wednesday, licensed practical nurses (beginning in 2004); and the fourth Wednesday, nursing assistants. Leslie Nicoll, editor of the Journal of Hospice and Palliative Nursing, actively works with HPNA members to share their advanced clinical expertise with others by writing for publication. HPNA also has special-interest groups for members who are interested in pediatrics, geriatrics, and advanced practice.
Another change made with the focus on providing advanced clinical content as you have requested was announced at the 2003 Annual Membership Meeting. In 2004, HPNA will partner with the American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine to cosponsor the 2004 Clinical Conference. Janet Snapp, HPNA Board Member and Vice President of Clinical Services, Hospice of the Bluegrass in Lexington, Ky, is cochairing the planning committee with Jeffrey Spiess, Director of the Palliative Care Service, Division of Hematology, Oncology, Blood and Marrow Transplantation, at the University of Iowa. The conference will be held January 22 through January 25, 2004, at the Pointe Hilton Tapatio Cliffs Resort in Phoenix, AZ. The Board looks forward to seeing you in January in Phoenix. This conference will be the venue for HPNA's 2004 Annual Membership Meeting. We are confident that the conference will provide you with the advanced clinical content that you have requested, as well as excellent opportunities for networking. Mark your calendars now. For those of us who experience "winter"-Phoenix will provide a nice break to the winter months.
The Board is also pleased to announce that it will continue to support the clinical conference offered by the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO). Although it will no longer be financial partners with NHPCO on this conference, the HPNA Board is pleased to announce that HPNA members will continue to receive reduced registration. The Board recognizes the importance of this clinical meeting for its members, because it provides educational opportunities related to interdisciplinary clinical care and foundational concepts in end-of-life care. This conference will be held March 22 through March 25, 2004, in Las Vegas, NV. Information on registration will be available to HPNA members via the HPNA Web site and e-newsletter.
The Board welcomes your input on how it can continue to expand its membership services to better meet your educational needs. Do not hesitate to call me at 207-780-4404 or e-mail me at [email protected] if you have suggestions!