In this episode, we welcome Shari Alton, ADN RN, CHPN and Deb Bershad, BSN, RN, CHPN, to talk about Death Cafe in the Phoenix Chapter of HPNA. Deb and Shari speak on how Death Cafe encourages open discourse about death and dying for healthcare professionals and how to get involved.

About Shari:

Shari Alton is an ADN RN, CHPN with 45 years of experience in the nursing field. Shari started as a CNA in 1978, then became an LPN and graduated from RN school in 1983. Her background includes inpatient Med-Surg, Ortho, Post-Partum and Nursery, Chemical Dependency and Adult Psychiatry and Endoscopy. For the last 20 years, Shari has worked at Hospice of the Valley, in Phoenix, Arizona, as an RNCM in Home Hospice.

Currently, Shari is the President of the Phoenix Chapter of the Hospice and Palliative Nurses Association. She is passionate about Death Café and has benefitted tremendously from it.

About Deb:

Deb Bershad is a nurse with diverse experience. She has worked most nursing positions available in the acute care hospital setting. She spent 17 years in the acute care setting, until burnout took its toll.

She left the field and found her most rewarding and challenging work to date. For the next ten years, she worked as a teacher, facilitator, and Professional Development Coach. Personal tragedy prompted a 3-day retreat in which she re-clarified her goals and passion in life. This led to her return to nursing, where she found new pride, purpose, and meaning in her life as a nurse. Some of her most rewarding work has come in her latest role, as a Hospice nurse.