Haylee Cagle

Choice Health at Home

Ada, OK

What inspired you to become a nurse?

My mom is one of my biggest inspirations for becoming a nurse. She started nursing late in her life and the love she had for nursing was such an inspiration. I also watched the nurses take care of my grandma and I thought they were heroes, and I knew that I wanted to be someone’s hero.

How did you come to work in hospice specifically?

Again, my mom. She took a job in hospice and at first, I thought she was absolutely crazy! She eventually asked me to take the leap and join on PRN as an LPN. I did and man I am so thankful. When I graduated RN school, I did not think I wanted to be in hospice. I wanted something else. However, God closed all of those doors, but he left hospice open, and I am so thankful he did because this is my true passion in this life. I truly think that this is 100% a God thing. He knew that this is where I could serve Him the best.

What has been your favorite or proudest moment as a nurse?

I have a lot of favorite moments, but it is especially special when a family truly appreciates the care that you give. One of my favorite compliments is that I’m “an angel on earth.” Again, I truly believe that God has placed me in this profession to be a light and serve him through serving his people.

In what ways, if any, is nursing difference from what you expected before you started?

Nursing is not all rainbows and butterflies. There are hard days. Every nurse that I had encountered before entering the nursing profession seemed like nursing was so easy, it is far from easy, but it is so worth it.

Do you have any advice for someone considering a career in hospice?

I would tell them to do it, just try it out. My advice is to try and keep an open mind in all situations. Learn communication and learn how to educate. And learn the phrase “if I do not know the answer, I can figure it out from someone who does.”

How do you keep from getting overwhelmed in your busy day-to-day?

Have there been any patients or families that have been particularly memorable? How so?

All of my patients and families are memorable. I remember when I first started I was able to care for and talk through the hard times with a family member, and that was the first time I got the compliment that I was an angel on earth. I will never forget the tears and joy I felt. I also was able to care for the grandma of one of the people I went to pre-k with, that was a special moment to care for her. I also just cared for a patient, who I only had on service for a week, but the family instantly felt like family. I will cherish that family forever, they made me feel like I was just another one of their kiddos and I will forever be thankful.

Has your work influenced how you think about death? In what ways?

Before starting hospice, I was scared of death and the dying process. However, since starting with hospice my perspective has changed. I am not longer scared of death or the process. I know that God knows and has a purpose for life and death, and my faith has grown so much stronger since starting hospice.

What do you enjoy doing in your free time?

During my free time, I love spending time with my husband, family and pups! I also like to read if I have the time. Apparently, I enjoy going to school in my free time too, because I haven’t stopped going to school since I graduated high-school!