HPNA (originally incorporated as HNA) originated in 1986.  A group of hospice professionals were attending the Western Hospice Nurses Conference in California.  They met to discuss the need for a national organization for hospice nurses. Over the next six months, 65 founding members donated funds to establish a financial base to plan the organization.  By November, 1986 bylaws were approved.  Election of the first board of directors took place in January, 1987.

Since 1987, HPNA’s membership continues to grow and we have members from all 50 states and several foreign countries.  Membership levels include: Registered Nurse; Senior RN; LP/VN: Nursing Assistant; full-time student nurse; and associate (non-nursing).

HPNA is the only hospice and palliative nurses’ professional association. It is governed by an all-nurse Board of Directors.

HPNA Mission

Membership Benefits

Membership Map