Hospice El Paso
El Paso, TX
What inspired you to become a nurse?
Annel: My inspiration to become a nurse came from my aunt, who taught me the importance of caring for and advocating for others. Her compassion and dedication left a lasting impression on me.
Brenda: My aunt Olga and Lily were nurses and I wanted to be just like them, they always spoke greatly about nursing.
Ruth: My grandpa got sick and needed dialysis. However, since he was in Mexico, he was not able to get the care he needed and unfortunately, he passed away. After that moment, I decided I wanted to become a nurse.
How did you come to work in hospice specifically?
Annel: I was introduced to hospice care by a good friend who opened a hospice facility and needed a nurse. We partnered up, and I embraced the opportunity to make a significant impact in this specialized field.
Brenda: I applied when I sensed that hospice was possibly one of my callings and I should be working in hospice. I couldn’t picture myself doing anything different.
Ruth: My friend was working in hospice and she talked to me about how much she liked it and how rewarding it was.
What has been your favorite or proudest moment as a nurse?
Annel: My proudest moments are those interactions with patients and their families. Being able to provide comfort and support during such a critical time in their lives is incredibly fulfilling.
Brenda: It makes me proud to see my patients comfortable; physically and spiritually. Their last moments should be spent with their families or themselves and should not focus on pain, anxiety or other discomforts.
Ruth: I’m sure every person would say their favorite moment about being a nurse would be helping people, but I can truly say that my favorite moment as a nurse is when I made a difference in a family or patient’s life.
In what ways (if any) is Nursing different than what you imagined?
Annel: Initially, I had no specific expectations and was unsure if I could handle the emotional aspects of nursing. However, I decided to go for it, and it’s been one of the most rewarding decisions of my life.
Brenda: I expected nursing to be harder but experience, continued growth in education and wisdom in the career have made nursing easier for me.
Ruth: Before I became a nurse, I thought it was just about taking care of people, but there is more behind the scenes of the care, such as documentation.
Do you have any advice for someone considering a career in hospice?
Annel: To thrive in hospice care, one must be genuinely compassionate and possess strong interpersonal skills to effectively work with patients and their families. It’s about providing not just medical care but emotional support.
Brenda: Hospice is a calling and you will know it in your heart once you start.
Ruth: I would always say, “Do it!” It’s one of the best choices I have ever made.