Meet Melissa Hone, RN, BSN: New HPNA Member and HPNF Supporter

At 14 years old, Melissa Hone already knew what she wanted to be when she grew up. It was during her beloved grandmother’s time receiving hospice care when she was inspired by a nurse who helped make the emotional experience a positive one.

“I realized one person can make such a difference, and I wanted to be that person,” Hone said.

At 18 years old, she started her nursing education and graduated by the time she was 21. Now 27 years old, Hone is a full-time hospice nurse for one organization and works on call for another. She lives in Utah with her husband, Riley, and their four children.

In September 2022, Hone had another experience that influenced her professional trajectory. When one of her patients died, his daughter became distraught because they could not keep his mouth closed. Hone employed the common tactic of using rolled up towels to help prop up his chin, but it wasn’t working.

The family’s distress motivated Hone, who went home and told her husband that there must be a solution. Looking around the house for items to manipulate, they repurposed an old life vest to design a product that would ensure mouth closure after death. Hone then researched to find a local manufacturer to produce a demo of the product. Now, less than a year later, the Postmortem Pillow is available from the couple’s company After-Life Care LLC.

By joining the Hospice and Palliative Nurses Association (HPNA), Hone is looking forward to expanding her network and continuing to learn from others in her field. Supporting other nurses through the Hospice and Palliative Nurses Foundation (HPNF) is a way she can give back to those who have inspired her.

HPNF applauds Hone’s inspiring dedication to her patients and her support of our mission.