A Drive to Share Compassionate Care

The Hospice and Palliative Nurses Foundation recently awarded seven outstanding professionals with a 2025 Sandra Lee Schafer Certification Scholarship. Among the recipients was Jannine Bournias, AGNP-C, a proud member of HPNA and a dedicated Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner (AGNP) from New Jersey.

For Jannine, the award is more than financial support to obtain the Advanced Certified Hospice and Palliative Nurse (ACHPN®) credential through HPCC, it’s a milestone in a journey shaped by mentorship, community, and a passion for hospice and palliative care.

“I am so thankful to be selected,” Jannine shared. “Joining HPNA has been a wonderful experience. The education piece that membership provides and the support especially has been so valuable to me. I am also thankful for my mentor who encouraged me to join years ago.”

Jannine’s mentor, Linda Degrazia, APRN, has been an HPNA member since 2013 and has played an instrumental role in guiding Jannine’s path. Jannine’s story is a reminder that behind every certified nurse is a story of dedication, mentorship, and the drive to provide compassionate care when it matters most.

Below, Jannine shares her heartfelt gratitude alongside her mentor who made it all possible.