Influencing Death

“This memoir is an extraordinary blend of humor, heartfelt storytelling, and valuable insights. Penny’s wit and engaging style make even the most challenging moments feel accessible, while the touching anecdotes offer a deep understanding of end-of-life care. It’s not only an enjoyable read but also an educational one that guides the reader to look at their own mortality without dreading it.” -Julie McFadden, RN, New York Times bestselling author of Nothing to Fear

“Influencing Death is a brutally honest book about living and dying. Hospice Nurse Penny exposes what happens at the end of life with her straight-shooting and entertaining style. Penny tells it all, including the pain points of her own life story. With a huge dose of courage, Penny reminds us that patients … and hospice nurses are people first and foremost.” -Sammy Winemaker, palliative care physician, author of Hope for the Best, Plan for the Rest

“Influencing Death turns a universally challenging topic-death-into an easy read. Demystifying death by sharing her life, Penny’s humor, joy, and authenticity will evoke laughter, tears, and essential conversations among loved ones everywhere.” -Jennifer A. O’Brien, MSOD, award-winning author of The Hospice Doctor’s Widow and Care Boss

“A moving account of how a hospice nurse arrived at TikTok fame, … Influencing Death is about personal transformation and working to demystify the inevitability of death.”-Foreword Clarion Reviews

Penny Hawkins Smith is a nationally certified hospice nurse with twenty years of experience. She has cared for thousands of dying people and is a passionate advocate for high-quality end-of-life care. Over two million people follow her on social media, where she uses storytelling, dark humor, and dance trends to normalize death and the dying process. She also shares her own inspirational stories of overcoming a tumultuous past. Penny lives in Washington State with her husband, along with her cattle dog, Kevin, and Pam the cat. She works virtually as a hospice quality nurse from her off-the-grid cabin on a mountain, with a retirement plan in the works.