The Role of a Hospice Chaplain
What does a hospice chaplain do? How does a hospice chaplain help patients and families?
Read MoreI’ve been a registered nurse since 2001, but throughout my training I never thought I’d work in hospice. At the end of my nursing program, however, I participated in a practicum that lasted for 6-weeks. At the end of day one, I knew I had found my calling in hospice and palliative care.
After earning my Associates degree in nursing, I worked for nearly a decade as a Case Manager in rural Oklahoma. I became a certified hospice and palliative care nurse since 2003. I then moved back to Northeastern Oklahoma and worked for a few years as an Admissions Nurse and Hospital Liaison for multiple companies. After a brief hiatus and a short time working with a friend at an infusion pharmacy and clinic, I accepted an offer to become the Clinical Director at Cura-HPC.
While my position requires me to do a little bit of everything, including overseeing patient visits, keeping the on-call calendar, Quality Assurance and approving medications, I can honestly say I enjoy every bit of it.
I especially love watching this team grow and encouraging our staff along the way.
The love for our patients is what keeps me excited about this position and hospice care. I love hearing stories about the patients we provide care for and enjoy meeting them when I can.
I believe that no one should die without pain management, symptom management and support. Being able to help someone when they feel helpless and hopeless and being there to support that person in their moment of need is a truly special endeavor. It’s why we do what we do.
Away from work, I have grown children, a wonderful husband and am now up to 22 grandchildren. Family is the biggest thing for us and running back and forth from the grandkids’ activities is a wonderful part of our life. I especially enjoy our annual fishing derby and cooking with my granddaughters.
What does a hospice chaplain do? How does a hospice chaplain help patients and families?
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