Abaco Binkley, an Advance Registered Nurse Practitioner (ARNP) for VNA, recently received her Advanced Certified Hospice and Palliative Care Nurse Practitioner certification. She is now one of only 1,000 individuals nationwide to earn this certification. An integral part of the advance care planning team, she helps patients understand all the options available to them for their care, including hospice care, and advocates for patients to express their wishes for their health goals.
“Our patients’ lives are a testament to the need for information, education, breaking down taboos and dispelling myths,” says Binkley. “We are welcomed into homes and trusted to help guide patients no matter where they are in their unique journey. It’s a specialty that’s a labor of love.”
In order to achieve this certification, Abaco first attended an on-going education program for 9 months in addition to independent study. In order to demonstrate expertise for certification, she sat for a comprehensive exam.
Abaco joined the VNA in 2018 and initially oversaw the telehealth program. She has been an APRN for 16 years. She earned a BA in Anthropology and an MSN as a Family Nurse Practitioner from the University of Florida, as well as her BSN from Creighton University. Prior to working at VNA, Abaco worked for Indian River Medical Center for ten years for both the Infectious Disease and Pulmonary services. She is a board-certified family nurse practitioner and a member of the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners, Florida Association of Nurse Practitioners and Sigma Theta Tau Honor Society of Nurses.
Congratulations, Abaco! Thank you for your WHY!
