Why Membership Matters: A Conversation with Vanessa Battista, DNP

AAHPM is proud to highlight members who embody the values of leadership, collaboration, and lifelong learning in hospice and palliative care. This month, we’re featuring Vanessa Battista, DNP MBA CPNP-PC CHPPN FPCN FAAN a dedicated clinician, educator, and leader whose career has been shaped by both her mentors and her passion for advancing the field.

In this interview, Vanessa shares why being part of AAHPM is so valuable, the benefits she finds most meaningful, and how opportunities like the Annual Assembly and committee involvement have strengthened her connections and commitment to the community. She also reflects on her leadership journey, offering advice for colleagues—especially nurses—who are eager to get more involved.

1. Why do you think it’s so important to be a member of AAHPM?
   Being a part of a professional organization is important to stay connected- to the field, to the latest updates, and to each other.  It’s especially important to be a member of AAHPM as it allows us to be a part of an interprofessional community that is at the forefront of advances in palliative care, and it gives us a platform to give and receive essential updates, provide education, and share information.
2. What are some member benefits that everyone should take advantage of?  
   One of my favorite membership benefits are the various speakers that are available throughout the year on a myriad of topics. It allows us to access information (from wherever we are) and to keep up to date on the latest developments in the field. There are also lots of other member benefits and ways to connect with other members- committees, special interest groups, community forums, etc. There is likely something that can appeal to everyone who wants to get involved and stay connected.
3. For someone who’s never been, tell us your experience attending the Annual Assembly?
   Attending Annual Assembly honestly feels like a homecoming every year, to be honest!  It’s a fabulous way to learn about science, research, clinical care and to stay abreast of all the current “hot topics” in the field and it’s also a great way to network and build community with colleagues both near and far. It’s an event I look forward to each and every year!
4. What inspires you to help fellow AAHPM members through leadership?
   I have had amazing palliative care mentors throughout my career thus far and have been inspired by people from all disciplines.  I am in awe of the different types of work we do and how we all share a common bond based on a passion for palliative care.  I hope that I can have the opportunity to spark that same passion in others and to be a resource for my colleagues.  Leadership isn’t about “being in charge” – it’s about leading the path for others to walk alongside you to work towards our common goal of providing excellent care for people everywhere and moving the field forward.  I am honored to help others in any way that I can.
5. Which committees, programs, or courses have you been involved with at AAHPM?
   I have been a member of the Education and Learning Strategic Coordinating Committee and the Leadership and Career Development Committee.  I was also a part of the Leadership Forum: Ascend: Leading and Managing Through Change.  I have served as a classroom moderator at Annual Assembly for the past several years.  I was an author for the most recently updated UNIPAC.
6. Which AAHPM benefits have been the most valuable to you personally — and why others should take advantage of them?
   The benefits that have been most valuable to me have honestly been the access to our community and connections to a network of people.  We can find and connect with colleagues anywhere and reach out to people about patient care, collaborative projects, and a variety of other things.  A close second to the networking aspects of membership are the educational opportunities- conferences, forums, lectures, podcasts, panels- there is more available than any one person could ever do and it’s invaluable to have those resources easily available and accessible as a member benefit.
7. What advice would you give to nurses who want to get more involved but aren’t sure where to start?
   My biggest advice would be not be afraid to jump right in! This is one of the most inclusive professional groups I have ever been a member of, and it is great that they have become so inclusive of all disciplines.  So, sign up, attend a meeting at Annual Assembly, join a lecture or other professional forum online, reach out to other members and make connections.  Find what interests you and become a part of it regardless of your discipline. If you have a question, raise it and people will be responsive.  You have a lot to gain and to give so just get started!