Theresa Younis, Chief Operating Officer for Agapé Hospice has a vision and goal to transform end-of life care in South Carolina. Younis understands investing in medical staff as both clinicians and leaders is paramount to this end. Younis stated, "Having and maintaining one of the best educated clinician staffs in the state directly equates to better care for our patients and families."

The Hospice and Palliative Nurse Association HPNA is an organization which has a mission and vision on a National level and has developed certification programs which seek to advance expert care and to transform the care and culture of serious illnesses.

Agapé Hospice has elected to obtain certification for its RN's through the HPNA. According to Younis "the certification is a tangible representation of specialized clinical and leadership experience within the hospice field."

To date Agapé Hospice has 29 of its RNs certified through the program as Hospice and Palliative Nurses CHPN and an additional 6 RN's who have been certified as CHPN instructors.

Dana Altman, RN, CHPN with Agapé Hospice stated, "To achieve board certification was a validation for me that "Yes, I am an expert in this specialty." When you have more knowledge, you have more confidence which benefits both staff and patients. Education and knowledge have the power to transform health care.""

Janet DiNino, RN, LNHA, LNC, CHC, CAPPM, Chief Clinical Officer for Agapé Hospice echoes Altman's comments "It caused me to question practices and review policies and procedures daily. It empowered me to think comprehensively and proactively…The certification equips RNs with a broad array of clinical knowledge, skills and competencies."

Agapé Hospice has demonstrated its commitment to the HPNA certification program by removing barriers for completion. According to Younis, "Nurses are paid while attending preparatory classes as well as the certification test. And once an RN is certified, they receive a financial reward with an increase in compensation."

For more information about Agape Hospice and its mission see AgapeHospice.com or call us at (800) 411-2427