Influencing Death

Reframing Dying for Better Living

De: Penny Hawkins Smith RN

Narrado por: Penny Hawkins Smith RN

A hospice nurse’s unflinching look at life, death, and redemption.

Death is undeniable and unavoidable. We must accept it; there is no other choice. But coming to terms with our mortality can profoundly influence how we live—and how we die. Having been a hospice nurse for decades, Penny Hawkins Smith is an expert on death and dying. As a recovering alcoholic and former drug addict, she knows what it means to change course and become a meaningful contributor to society. Through her work with death, Penny found her purpose in life.

In Influencing Death, Penny brings transparency and levity to the grim topic of death while revealing truths about the reckless past that influenced her decision to become a hospice nurse. Using down-to-earth, compassionate storytelling, she transports listeners into the room with dying people and their families, laying bare the raw and real human emotions and behaviors people have when life and death are hanging in the balance.

Weaving together dual narratives of death and life, Penny challenges us to see how embracing our own mortality—and the mortality of the people we love—can help us live more fully and approach the end of life with greater acceptance, grace, and peace.

©2025 Penny Hawkins Smith (P)2025 Dreamscape Media

Emotional and thought-provoking

I loved this book! I cried at times, laughed, felt like I was there with Penny…she did a great job!

Awesome Read!

I started following @HospiceNursePenny on Instagram and was immediately drawn in by her warmth, wisdom, and compassionate approach to end-of-life care. When I found out she had written a book, Influencing Death, it felt like divine timing—my beloved dad had just been placed on hospice care.

It was such a bonus to discover she narrated the Audible version herself—her voice brings even more comfort and sincerity to the stories and insights she shares.

This book isn't just informative—it's deeply human. Penny brings grace to a topic so many shy away from, reminding us that death can be just as sacred and meaningful as birth. She offers a gentle, honest look at the dying process, and somehow makes space for both tears and healing.

If you're facing the loss of a loved one, working in end-of-life care, or just want to understand the process more fully, Influencing Death is a must-read. I love it, and I’m so grateful it found me when it did.

Storytelling

There’s a reason everyone loves a good story, and dang does Penny have some great ones to tell! From personal to professional, each one is gripping. I listened in one go, I couldn’t stop. Plus it’s always good to hear an author telling their own story. Definitely recommended

Wonderful

This book is lovely. I watch Penny on social media, but I appreciate this book going over her background and life while speaking openly about death and hospice

Penny is awesome

Penny, I’m listening to your book while I’m at work. I’ve listened to your lives on TikTok for so long that when you spoke of your visitation from your dad after his death I got so excited and picked up my phone to comment to you about my visitation from my dad after his death. I hope you see this. And I loved your book!

Raw and Real

Listening the first time through is not enough. I continue to listen to this at night going to sleep as I want all of the key points and meaningful details to become ingrained in my brain. I’m recommending it to everyone I know.

Living not dying

The book and its stories moved so quickly, I wish there had been more stories and examples.

Knowledge for the Heart

Influencing Death: nonfiction …. memoir… self help…. Memoir of a hospice nurse / influencer 💗💗💗💗💗 five heart read in compassion and knowledge 💕 “you don’t have to say it’s OK TO LEAVE…. But YOU will be OK”💕 what would your loved one wants ….. what they liked ….. death wishes

Umm PENNY!

This book was such a good read
I’m so sad it’s over already
The lines about the toddler criminal and the perfume took me out with laughter but by no means is this a humorous book, very dark subject you do well explaining and comforting ❤️
Thank you for sharing your story and please do write again
Also be more gentle with yourself, your past does not get to dictate your future you don’t live there anymore
the work you do is truly “God sent” I think that’s why people compare your work to that of an angel
What a blessing it is to not have to die alone
And for people like you who bring us comfort while dealing with it

Real talk about hospice!

Great read with personal experiences. it normalizes the death process and hospice in a funny but respectful way. Don't fear death- read this book!