News Releases

Two from University of Maryland School of Nursing Honored by Hospice and Palliative Nurses Association

March 19, 2013

 Baltimore, Md. – University of Maryland School of Nursing (UMSON) Dean Jane M. Kirschling, PhD, RN, FAAN, and Assistant Professor Marian Grant, DNP, RN, CRNP, ACHPN, have received honors from the Hospice and Palliative Nurses Association (HPNA). HPNA, a national non-profit professional nursing organization dedicated to promoting excellence in palliative nursing care, announced that Kirschling is the recipient of its 2013 Leading the Way Award, and Grant is a 2013 Fellow in Palliative Care Nursing.

“I am honored that the Hospice and Palliative Nurses Association is pleased with not only my contributions to palliative care nursing, but with Dr. Grant’s work as well,” Kirschling said. “These honors truly highlight our School’s commitment to excellence and leadership in nursing.”   

The Leading the Way Award is regarded as one of HPNA’s highest honors. It recognizes those who have been consistent leaders in palliative care nursing while demonstrating a deep and abiding commitment to furthering the philosophy, mission, and quality of palliative care. Early in her career, Kirschling, a past president of HPNA, became involved in hospice care as a staff nurse. She eventually published numerous academic research papers on the experience of terminal illness among patients and caregivers and the grief process, among other topics.

HPNA Fellows are association members who are nursing leaders in education, management, advanced practice, and research. Eligible applicants include association executives, chancellors and deans, chief executives and vice presidents for nursing, nurse consultants, and researchers and entrepreneurs. Fellows have demonstrated lengthy dedication to the association, extensive professional experience in hospice and palliative care, and a significant commitment to scholarship in the field of hospice and palliative care.

Palliative care nursing is a field that Grant is happy to be a part of. She has served as an HPNA board member and as its content expert for communication. In addition, Grant is a national and international End-of-Life Nursing Education Consortium faculty member, having researched online palliative care.

“It is a privilege to help patients and their families during what is a very difficult transition,” Grant said.  “I am happy to help and am honored that the care I provide is recognized by my colleagues.”

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The University of Maryland School of Nursing, founded in 1889, is one of the oldest and largestnursing schools, and is ranked eleventh nationally. Enrolling nearly 1,700 students in its baccalaureate, master’s, and doctoral programs, the School develops leaders who shape the profession of nursing and impact the health care environment