Finding My Calling: My Journey as a Hospice Aide

When people ask me why I chose to become a hospice aide, my answer is simple: I didn't choose it, it chose me. It's a calling, and I recognized it early in my healthcare journey.

My path to hospice care began when I was working as an activities director at a nursing home. I found myself consistently drawn to the certified nursing assistants (CNAs), who I saw providing direct, hands-on care to residents. Something stirred in me as I watched them. I wanted to do more, to care for people more deeply.

When the opportunity came up for the nursing home to provide CNA training, I jumped at the chance. During my training, my instructor asked what area of healthcare interested me most. Without hesitation, I answered, "end-of-life care." Even then, before I truly understood what hospice work entailed, I knew this was where I belonged.

But there was another influence in my decision too. During this time, I was also caring for my father. I said, “You know what? If I can do this with him, I can do it with everybody else.” That personal experience of caregiving showed me I had both the heart and the capability for this work.

Now, years later, that sense of purpose has only grown stronger. Every day confirms I'm exactly where I'm meant to be.

A Day in My Life

My mornings begin with patient visits, but how I start those visits is just as important as the care itself. I never rush in. Instead, I take time to sit with my patients, to really be present with them. We talk; I listen.

This initial connection is crucial. I’ve learned it's all about the approach. The intimate nature of this care isn't lost on me: I'm helping people with their personal needs during a very sensitive time. That's why establishing trust is so vital. People need to feel safe in my hands, and developing that relationship takes patience and genuine care. When I go in, I try to be soft and very calming.

Music has always been something I use to develop these relationships. It becomes a bridge when other forms of communication aren't possible. That’s especially been the case for a patient of mine who was a Blues singer. He’s now mostly nonverbal, so I connect with him through the music. I'll go in and I'll play old Blues songs for him. Sometimes he's able to mouth a couple of words to me, letting me know who is singing. That's the type of connection you make in this job.

There's another patient who tells me that he wants me to be with him for the rest of his life. And of course, I’m saying to myself, “I will be with you the rest of your life.” The sentiment is so heartfelt and appreciative. These deep connections form quickly but remain meaningful, whether someone is with us for a day, a month, or even over a year like some of my current patients.

When you take the time to build that relationship, magic happens. People who were hesitant at first start to look forward to my visits. They anticipate seeing my face, knowing they'll receive care delivered with dignity and respect. I’m going to make sure they get the best care possible.

What I Wish Everyone Knew

If there's one thing I wish everyone understood about hospice care, it's this: don't wait. So many families hesitate to make this decision, but hospice offers beautiful benefits that both patients and families can experience when they engage sooner rather than later.

Hospice isn't about giving up. It's about embracing quality of life in the time that remains. It's about ensuring comfort, maintaining dignity, and creating space for meaningful connections. Every day, I witness how this specialized care transforms what could be a difficult time into one filled with compassion, comfort, and even moments of joy.

Finding My Purpose

When you’re growing up, people will often ask what kind of career you want. I never would have said healthcare. But it turns out this is where I’m supposed to be.

Earlier this year, I was promoted to Senior Hospice Aide. In this new role, I get to train new hires, join committees, and “step up” a little bit more. What I love most about this expanded role is working with new team members and helping them find their footing in this meaningful work.

Here’s something you might not believe, but I promise it’s true: Since I've been at Care Dimensions, I have not had one bad day. I go home every day and say to myself, “today was a good day.” Do I have obstacles sometimes, or perhaps things don’t go according to plan? Of course. But I always go home feeling so fulfilled, knowing that I made a difference in somebody's life. It's beautiful.