Reflections from our Hospice & Home Health Nurses
- sphilip14
- May 15
- 4 min read
By: Irene Gonzalez, MSW, LSW
💙National Nurses Week: May 6th - May 12th💙
In Their Own Words: Reflections from our Hospice & Home Health Nurses

Celebrating Our Hospice and Home Health Nurses
In honor of Nurses Week, we paused to honor the extraordinary nurses who care for our patients not just with clinical skill, but with deep compassion, empathy, and humility. Hospice and Home Health nursing isn’t just a profession—it’s a calling. This Nurses Week we share heartfelt reflections from our amazing nurses about what inspired them, what moments stay with them, and the powerful lessons they’ve learned along the way.

What inspired you? This is my first time working as a home health nurse—I'm still new to it! But no matter the setting, what drives me is my love for taking care of people. It’s incredibly motivating to be able to offer comfort and care.
A memorable moment: I once cared for a patient in LTACH who always asked for me to be his night nurse. One night I mentioned I’d never had pumpkin pie. He said that once he got better, he’d make sure I had one. Sadly, he passed away not long after. I still haven’t eaten pumpkin pie since—it’s a bittersweet memory that stays with me.
Greatest lesson learned: Life is short—live it one day at a time. And it doesn’t take much to be kind.
How do you find meaning? I try to appreciate every experience. Some are hard, some are rewarding. I do my best in every situation, knowing each moment is part of the journey.

What inspired you? I was inspired by the opportunity to be present during some of the most personal and vulnerable times in people’s lives. I believe healing and comfort often happen best at home, where people feel safest.
A story that stays with you: I once cared for a hospice patient whose family was gathered by her side. She was holding on, and the family wondered why. Her husband hadn’t approached her since she began declining. I gently encouraged him to say goodbye. He held her hand, kissed it, and said “I love you.” The next day, she passed. That moment reminded me that nursing is about more than medicine—it's about being a steady, compassionate presence in times of deep emotion.
Greatest lesson:To slow down, be present, and never underestimate the power of compassion.
How do you find meaning?Every visit is a chance to make someone feel seen, supported, and not alone. That human connection is everything.

Nursing blends the art and science of caring. It’s about protecting, promoting, and optimizing health, preventing complications, and easing suffering through a compassionate presence. Every day, I strive to bring healing and humanity into my work.

What inspired you? Becoming a hospice nurse has shown me that healing isn’t always curative. There’s healing in finding peace at the end of life, in offering comfort during loss. Being present and listening can have a profound impact—on others, and on myself.
A powerful memory: I once spent nearly seven hours with a deceased patient in a cold basement, waiting for the funeral home. The family was far away and needed time to say goodbye. I couldn’t leave, not even to use the restroom. It was a moment that tested me physically and emotionally—but it meant everything to the family. It reminded me of the weight and privilege of this work.
Greatest lesson: Life is precious, and death is a universal experience. It has taught me to cherish every moment and to see the beauty even in final transitions.
Finding meaning: There is purpose in helping others transition with dignity and grace. Death can be beautiful, and being part of that journey is a blessing.

Why hospice nursing? I’ve always felt called to help others, and hospice care allows me to connect deeply and ease suffering—not just physically, but emotionally and spiritually.
A memorable moment: A Spanish-speaking patient in her final moments reached toward the ceiling and softly said “God” and “heaven.” Her family explained what she was saying, and just moments later, she passed. It was peaceful and powerful—an experience I’ll never forget.
Lesson learned: Every moment counts. Working in hospice reminds me how precious time is and how vital it is to be fully present.
How do you find meaning? Knowing that I can ease suffering and help people feel seen and supported gives me a strong sense of purpose.

Why this path? I love the deep connection we can form with patients and families in their own homes. I’m also passionate about health education—empowering patients to take control of their health is incredibly rewarding.
A moment that changed me: I had a patient, younger than me, with several health challenges, yet she never showed bitterness. She once told me, “No matter what life throws at you, take it positively. Every day is a blessing.” Her perspective changed the way I appreciate life.
Biggest lesson: Home health might not be as technical as hospital work, but compassion and human connection are just as essential as clinical skills.
Where I find meaning: In building genuine relationships, helping people feel cared for in their own space, and empowering them through education to find purpose in their own lives.
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