Date: November 02, 2026 Time: 8:30 AM - 11:30 AM Virtual

Join us for a virtual discussion on the ethical issues surrounding end-of-life care. This event will explore topics such as patient autonomy, decision-making, advance care planning, and compassionate care. Participants will gain insights from experts Lynnea Andersen (Briar Cliff Alumna), Melanie Berte-Hickey (Briar Cliff Social Work Professor), Shannon Merk, (Chair, Department of Nursing), engage in thoughtful conversation, and deepen their understanding of the ethical considerations involved in supporting individuals and families during end-of-life care.

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ABOUT DR. SHANNON MERK

Dr. Shannon Merk, DNP, MSN, AGPCNP-BC, is Professor and Chair of the Department of Nursing Education at Briar Cliff University in Sioux City, Iowa. She is an Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, nurse educator, and academic leader with more than 25 years of experience in nursing practice, higher education, and healthcare leadership. Dr. Merk maintains an active clinical practice in palliative care, where she provides compassionate, patient- and family-centered care for individuals with serious and life-limiting illnesses. Her clinical focus includes symptom management, goals-of-care discussions, advance care planning, interdisciplinary collaboration, and supporting patients and families through complex healthcare decisions across the continuum of care.

In academia, Dr. Merk's expertise includes curriculum development, simulation-based education, accreditation, faculty development, and nursing leadership. She is passionate about preparing future nurses through innovative teaching strategies that foster clinical reasoning, effective communication, and evidence-based practice. Her scholarly and professional interests include palliative and end-of-life care, healthcare communication, cultural competence, simulation, and developing the next generation of nursing leaders. Dr. Merk is dedicated to advancing nursing education while improving the quality of care delivered to patients and families through excellence in teaching, leadership, and clinical practice.

ABOUT MELANIE BERTE-HICKEY
Melanie Berte-Hickey is a Licensed Independent Social Worker (LISW) with a Master of Social Work from the University of Iowa and a Master of Pastoral Studies from St. Ambrose University. She has served as a professor at Briar Cliff University for more than 10 years, bringing extensive social work experience into the classroom. Melanie has a particular passion for social work ethics and end-of-life care, with an emphasis on dignity, compassion, and ethical decision-making. Her approach to both social work practice and education is grounded in strengths-based, empathy-centered care that recognizes the inherent dignity and unique experiences of each person.

ABOUT LYNNEA ANDERSEN, BSW, LMSW, CHPO
Lynnea Andersen is the Regional Administrator for Hospice of the Midwest in Iowa and Adoration Hospice in Indiana. She earned her Bachelor of Social Work from Briar Cliff University and her Master of Social Work from the University of Iowa. She also holds a Certification in Catholic Bio-Ethics from the National Catholic Bio-Ethics Center and is a Certified Hospice Professional Operator (CHPO).

With more than 27 years of experience in hospice social work and hospice administration, Lynnea has dedicated her career to advancing compassionate end-of-life care. She is a frequent presenter on hospice, palliative care, and grief-related topics and is the founder of Hearts-n- Hooves, a bereavement camp for grieving children. Lynnea has served on the NASW Palliative Care Standards Task Force, contributing to the revision of the published Social Work Palliative Care Standards of Care. She is also a former Iowa NASW Social Work Branch Chair and currently serves as a District Representative for the Hospice and Palliative Care Association of Iowa.