Ask Chris to speak at your next conference or meeting

Dr. Christine Schaeffer, DNP, MS, RN, CHPN

Speaker | Educator | End-of-Life Advocate

Bringing Clarity, Compassion, and a Just of Touch of Humor to Life's Most Important Conversations

With more than 30 years of experience in hospice and palliative care, Dr. Chris Schaeffer is a nationally recognized clinician, educator, and the 2026 HPNA/HPCC CHPN Nurse of the Year. But what truly sets her apart as a speaker is something no credential can capture: the rare ability to walk into any room — a church fellowship hall, a hospital conference center, a school auditorium, or a community gathering — and make one of life's most difficult subjects feel approachable, meaningful, and even, at times, gently humorous.

Chris has presented at state conferences, professional meetings, faith communities, and school events, adapting her message with precision and heart to meet the needs of every audience. Whether she is speaking to a room of seasoned clinicians or a congregation of families navigating the uncertainty of a loved one's illness, her natural gift for teaching ensures that every listener leaves more informed, more prepared, and more at peace.

Speaking Topics Include:

Advance Care Planning: The Gift You Give Your Family One of Chris's most requested presentations — and one of her most important. This talk guides audiences through the why and the how of planning ahead: what a Living Will is and why every adult should have one, how to choose and empower a Medical Power of Attorney, and what a MOLST or POLST means for your care when it matters most. Delivered with warmth, lived experience, and just the right touch of humor, this presentation has resonated deeply in churches, community centers, civic organizations, and beyond.

Understanding Hospice & Palliative Care: What It Really Means Misconceptions about hospice and palliative care cost families precious time and peace. Chris demystifies these services — what they are, when they are appropriate, and how they can transform the end-of-life experience for patients and families alike.

The Conversation We Keep Putting Off A deeply human presentation on why we avoid talking about death, what it costs us when we do, and how opening these conversations with the people we love is one of the most generous things we can do for them.

For Healthcare Professionals & Organizations Chris also presents to clinical teams, hospice staff, and healthcare organizations on topics including CHPN certification preparation, end-of-life clinical excellence, Just Culture leadership, and the integration of AI tools into hospice workflows.

Book Chris for Your Event Whether you are planning a Sunday morning or afternoon adult education series, a hospital grand rounds, a community wellness event, or a professional conference, Chris would love to bring her message to your audience.

📧 chrisschaeffer2005@gmail.com 📞(301) 873-7464 🔗 linkedin.com/in/christine-schaeffer