On March 19, we join healthcare organizations nationwide celebrating Certified Nurses Day, honoring the dedication and expertise of nurses who’ve pursued advanced certification in their specialties. At Ohio’s Hospice, certification reflects our commitment to honor and recognize the expertise and specialized knowledge that elevates the care we provide when it matters most.

“Certification is more than just letters after a name,” says Julie Wickline, director of education and staff development at Ohio’s Hospice. “It represents a nurse’s commitment to excellence and specialized knowledge in hospice and palliative care. When our team members earn these credentials, they bring enhanced expertise to the bedside that directly improves quality of life for our patients during their most vulnerable moments.”

Leading the State in Certified Care Professionals

Our certification numbers reflect our ongoing commitment to excellence and superior care. We’re honored that so many certified hospice and palliative care professionals choose to join our mission of Celebrating Life’s Stories^®.

A review of the 2024 HPNA report confirms what we’ve long believed—that investing in professional development directly benefits the patients and families we’re privileged to serve throughout Ohio. This focus on certification is an important part of what allows us to provide superior care and superior services when it matters most.

“It is definitely something that sets us apart from other hospice organizations throughout the state,” Wickline said.

Based on a review of the 2024 data from the Hospice and Palliative Nurses Association (HPNA), Ohio’s Hospice employs:

• 58% of Ohio’s certified Hospice and Palliative Licensed Nurses (CHPLN). 
• 45% of Ohio’s certified Hospice and Palliative Nursing Assistants (CHPNA).  
• 35% of Ohio’s certified Hospice and Palliative Nurses (CHPN). 

Why Certification Matters 

These impressive certification numbers translate to real benefits for the patients and families we serve every day. Certification for nurses, especially those serving in hospice and palliative care organizations, requires extensive knowledge in many areas including pain and symptom management, emotional and spiritual support, and end-of-life care.

For patients and families, these certifications mean working with professionals who provide expert care when it matters most—professionals who understand both the clinical aspects of care and the unique physical, emotional and spiritual journey each person experiences. 

“Our Commitment to Excellence program supports staff who pursue certification,” Wickline shares. “We’ve seen firsthand how this investment benefits the people in our care, allowing us to fulfill our mission of providing expertise at life’s most critical moments.”

The Not-for-Profit Difference 

Studies show that patients receiving care from not-for-profit hospices like Ohio’s Hospice experience more frequent visits from healthcare professionals, with 10% more nursing visits, 35% more social worker visits, and twice as many therapy visits on average. 

As we celebrate Certified Nurses Day, we’re grateful to our certified nurses and care professionals across all our affiliates. Their pursuit of excellence through certification ensures that every patient in our care receives the highest quality end-of-life support, provided with expertise, compassion, and dignity—precisely when expertise matters most.