Register for the 2025 Spring Workshop with Dr. McPherson

Schedule

The following times are in Eastern Standard Time (EST).

2025 HPNA Conference
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Monday, October 27, 2025

9:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.
Registration, Breakfast, and Exhibits
9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Opening Keynote Address: The Imperative of Education for Every Palliative Care Nurse

Presented by: Betty Ferrell, RN, PhD, MA, CHPN®, FAAN, FPCN®

NCPD Contact Hour: 1.0

Providing education to patients, families, the public and colleagues is the responsibility of every palliative care nurse. In this keynote address, Dr. Ferrell will share 25 years of providing palliative care education through the End of Life Nursing Education Consortium (ELNEC) and lessons for all nurses for using education as a force of improving care.

10:45 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.
Education Session

NCPD Contact Hour: 1.0

11:45 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Lunch, Exhibits, and Posters

NCPD Contact Hour: 1.25

1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Education Session

NCPD Contact Hour: 1.0

2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Education Session

NCPD Contact Hour: 1.0

3:15 p.m. – 4:45 p.m.
Mindful Magic: Exploring Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy 

Presented by: Kathryn L. Tucker, JD and Hannah Whitmore, PhD, RN, CHPN®

NCPD Contact Hour: 1.5

Discover the transformative potential of psychedelic-assisted therapy in the field of hospice and palliative care. This innovative session explores the emerging research, rapidly evolving law and policy governing, ethical considerations, and practical applications of psychedelics to support patients facing serious illness and end-of-life challenges. Attendees will gain insight into how these therapies are being integrated into care models to address complex emotional and spiritual needs, reduce anxiety, and improve quality of life. Through case studies, expert perspectives, and interactive discussions, participants will leave equipped with knowledge about this groundbreaking approach to compassionate care.

Learning Objectives:

  • Examine the current research and evidence supporting the use of psychedelic-assisted therapy in hospice and palliative care, including its impact on safety and special considerations for those with comorbidities experienced at end of life. 
  • Identify ethical considerations, safety protocols, and legal and regulatory frameworks guiding the integration of psychedelic-assisted therapy into clinical practice. 
  • Explore practical strategies for incorporating psychedelic-assisted therapy as an adjunct to holistic care models, addressing the emotional and spiritual needs of patients with serious illness.
4:45 p.m. – 5:45 p.m.
Education Session

NCPD Contact Hour: 1.5

7::00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
HPNF To Infinity and Beyond Reception

Join the Hospice and Palliative Nurses Foundation for an out-of-this-world evening. HPNF will celebrate the dedication of hospice and palliative care nurses with a stellar signature cocktail, cosmic bites, and intergalactic fun. Come unwind under the stars, connect with fellow nurses, and launch into a night of appreciation, laughter, and adventure—because your care knows no bounds!

Register Here

Tuesday, October 28, 2025

9:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.
Breakfast and Exhibits
10:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
Pharm-ucation Across Settings: Navigating Deprescribing, SUD Management & Palliative Sedation

Presented by: Mary Lynn McPherson, PharmD, PhD, FAAHPM and Alexandra L. McPherson PharmD, MPH

NCPD Contact Hour: 1.0

In this dynamic case-based pharmacology session, Drs. Mary Lynn and Alex McPherson will guide attendees through the intricacies of managing pharmacological care across three critical care settings, including:

  • Deprescribing practices in hospice care
  • Strategies for managing substance use disorder (SUD) in outpatient palliative care, and
  • The proper use of palliative sedation in inpatient settings

This engaging conversation will offer practical insights and evidence-based approaches to optimize patient comfort while ensuring safe, compassionate, and effective care.

Learning Objectives:

  • Understand deprescribing principles in hospice care, including when and how to safely reduce or discontinue medications for end-of-life patients.
  • Apply effective strategies for managing substance use disorder (SUD) in outpatient palliative care, with a focus on maintaining pain relief while minimizing the risk of misuse.
  • Recognize appropriate palliative sedation recommendations in inpatient settings, balancing the need for symptom control with ethical and clinical considerations.
11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Closing Session: Mentorship in Action: Elevating Hospice and Palliative Care Nursing Practice

Presented by:  Kathy Perko, MS, PPCNP-BC, CHPPN®, CPON, CPLC, FPCN®, FAPHON

NCPD Contact Hour: 1.0

This session will discuss the crucial role of mentorship in elevating hospice and palliative care nursing practice. It will explore the importance of mentorship in fostering professional growth, improving patient care, and addressing the unique challenges faced by nurses in this field. It will provide practical strategies for establishing effective mentor-mentee relationships, promoting continuous learning, and creating a supportive work environment that encourages personal and professional development.

12:00 p.m. – 12:15 p.m.
Wrap Up