Nurturing a Community of Caregivers: Scott’s Story

As part of HPNF’s “Nurturing a Community of Caregivers” campaign, we are honored to share the inspiring stories of nurses whose passion and dedication are shaping the future of hospice and palliative nursing care. These professionals—empowered by donor support—are making a profound difference in the lives of patients, families, and communities.

One such nurse is Scott Nguy, DNP, APRN, FNP-C, a dedicated health care professional whose journey into hospice and palliative care was driven by a deep commitment to compassionate caregiving. A former Peace Corps volunteer, Scott was working as a Family Nurse Practitioner and Certified Nurse-Midwife during the COVID-19 pandemic when he witnessed the immense grief and suffering experienced by patients and families. This experience ignited a desire to improve the way people navigate serious illness and end-of-life care.

Eager to enhance his communication skills, Scott pursued training in goals-of-care conversations, reinforcing his belief in the power of clear, compassionate dialogue. At the same time, he felt called to specialize further, leading him to hospice and palliative nursing. In 2022, Scott joined Crossroads Hospice and Palliative Care as Vice President of Nurse Practitioner Education, where he now trains nurses and nurse practitioners across six sites in three states.

“I want to improve how we help people with serious illness get the right care, at the right time,” he shares.

Recognizing the value of collaboration and mentorship, Scott attended the 2023 Annual Assembly for Hospice and Palliative Care in Montreal, Canada, where he connected with like-minded professionals. It was there that he discovered the resources offered by the Hospice and Palliative Nurses Association (HPNA).

“It was like coming home,” Scott says of the community he found within HPNA.

Scott has immersed himself in his new professional association. He joined the HPNA Mentor Program and was matched with HPNA/HPNF CEO Ginger Marshall. He is also volunteering his time and expertise by helping HPNA develop educational resources for our membership.

In 2025, Scott was recognized as an HPNF Emerging Leader, an honor celebrating early-career hospice and palliative nurses who have demonstrated outstanding leadership. This program not only acknowledges excellence, but also fosters professional growth, ensuring that emerging leaders like Scott can continue to advance the field.

“At HPNF, we are proud to support nurses like Scott in their professional journeys. Through donor contributions, we can continue to cultivate the next generation of hospice and palliative care nurses, ensuring that compassionate, expert care remains accessible to all who need it,” said HPNF/HPNA Board President Masako Mayahara, PhD, RN, FAAN, CHPN®, FPCN®.

“I’m honored to be connected with other leaders. There is so much power in our shared passion to advance our work,” Scott reflects. “With the Emerging Leaders recognition, we’re given permission to grow our own leadership.”

Scott lives in Kansas with his wife, Suzie, and their children, Evelyn (14), George (8), and Julius (5). Through his work, he exemplifies the very heart of nurturing a community of caregivers—mentoring, educating, and inspiring others to provide the highest quality care to those facing serious illness.

Your support of HPNF helps grow this vital community of caregivers. Join us in making a lasting impact and donate today.