Careers

I chose to work at Hospice as an RN/Case Manager, because I wanted to be able to give more of myself to those in need. I prayed God would lead me down a nursing path where I was meant to to be, and every day I know I am doing exactly what I was called to do.

My 12 years with Hospice have been years of joy, the best memories being with family members who actually lift ME up with their sweet attitudes and stories of their family members. Once a little boy who watched his grandfather and I visit on the porch, talking and playing our harmonicas, came to me after his grandfather passed, held out his hand with his grandpa's harmonica and said, "Now teach me to play like he did." Patients often love to sing with me and recount special times in their lives that are so inspiring. I cherish these moments of helping patients and family members alike.

I am often asked by my family how I do my job being around death all the time. When I first accepted my job with Hospice, that was the question my husband asked me too. Those that know me know that I am tough on the outside but will and do cry at the drop of a dime. I can be there with families for one of the hardest times because of my faith and Christian beliefs. I pray that my patients are transitioning to a body made whole, one with no worldly afflictions. I can and do make sure that my patients are comfortable. I can and do cry with them because I have lost ones I love. I can be there to hold their hand, offer a hug at one of the hardest moments of their lives. I can go to work every day knowing that I have made a difference, that I work with some of the most caring people, and an organization that truly cares for their employees... that's how I can continue to do my job.

I have a friend who is a retired nurse that volunteers. She shared some of her experiences with me. i believe that God led me to this wonderful ministry.

I have been told many times that my job must be hard and that it takes a special person to do what I do. I say, it is the person that is facing death who is the special one. I feel closest to God when I am working with my patients. I've said many times, we all strive here on earth to get to one day live in Heaven. Working as a Hospice nurse has given me the opportunity to sometimes say that last prayer with someone and watch them step into their new life as they take their last breaths. I love my nursing career as a Hospice nurse and I'm doing exactly what God wants me to do.