In this companion episode to the October Journal of Hospice and Palliative Nursing (JHPN) editorial, we sit down with members of HPNA’s DEIB Committee to explore the story behind a powerful decision—choosing to retain the committee’s name—and the thoughtful, intentional process that led there. Nurse leader and postdoctoral fellow Kirsten Inducil Buen, PhD, RN, MA, reflects on her clinical background, mentorship journey, and the challenges of speaking up with clarity during uncertain moments. Joined by committee chair Nancy Dias PhD, RN, MSN, FPCN®, the conversation dives into what it means to lead and learn in complexity, the responsibility of authorship, and how collaborative leadership can both empower and protect. This episode offers a real-world lens into DEIB work, not as a checkbox, but as a living, evolving commitment to justice, truth-telling, and meaningful inclusion. 

Show Notes 

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast episode are the guests’ and do not represent the views of East Carolina University (ECU) nor UCLA.  

Journal of Hospice & Palliative Nursing (JHPN): https://journals.lww.com/jhpn/pages/default.aspx   

Mentorship Match program: https://community.advancingexpertcare.org/mentoring