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Sandra Lee Schafer ABNS Scholarship 2019

Sandra Lee Schafer Scholarship

The Sandra Lee Schafer ABNS Scholarship honors Sandra (Sandy) Lee Schafer, RN, MN, AOCN, the Director of Credentialing for the Hospice and Palliative Credentialing Center (HPCC), 2004 - 2018. Sandy died peacefully in her sleep in December 2018.  
 
Sandy led HPCC's seven certification programs and was instrumental in credentialing tens of thousands of nurses and other members of the interdisciplinary team. Sandy was dedicated to HPCC, always displayed great passion for professional certification, and worked tirelessly to promote the value of certification.
 
Sandy was passionate about nursing, certification, and professional development, especially palliative and oncology nursing. She encouraged and mentored many nurses. 
 
Prior to joining HPCC, Sandy worked for 25 years as an Oncology Clinical Nurse Specialist at UPMC Shadyside in Pittsburgh, PA. 
 
Sandy earned both her BSN and MSN degrees at the University of Pittsburgh.

"Due to her passion and enthusiasm, Sandy had developed one of the most extensive networks of professional colleagues that I have ever seen," said Sally Welsh, MSN, RN, NEA-BC, Chief Executive Officer of HPCC. "No matter what city we were in for a meeting or event, Sandy was always reaching out to 'catch up' with her colleagues there...Sandy touched many lives, and we will all cherish the memories of this smart, kind, and passionate colleague." Sandy's concern and kindness toward her colleagues was unparalleled.
 
Sandy was a member and past president of the Oncology Nursing Society (ONS). She served as the founding president for the Greater Pittsburgh Chapter of ONS and co-founded Camp Raising Spirit, which provides a weekend retreat for individuals with cancer and their guests. She served in leadership positions locally and nationally with the American Cancer Society, Pennsylvania State Cancer Pain Initiative, and the Pennsylvania Society of Oncology and Hematology.

Sandy was an enthusiastic and active member of both the American Board of Nursing Specialties (ABNS) and the Institute for Credentialing Excellence (ICE), a member of the American Pain Society, American Society of Pain Management Nurses, and Sigma Theta Tau. She contributed to three cancer nursing books, and gave numerous presentations locally and nationally on credentialing, pain management, and cancer care. She was also an active member of Our Lady of Grace Church in Scott Township, PA, where she served as a Eucharistic Minister.

Sandy's insightful comments and enthusiastic presence will be missed at ABNS meetings.  Through this scholarship, the Accreditation Board for Nursing Specialty Certification (ABSNC) and ABNS hope to encourage others to carry on Sandy's tradition of enthusiasm and insight.