National Caregivers Day: Through the Eyes of a Hospice Nurse
Every year on the third Friday in February, National Caregivers Day is observed in the United States and is dedicated to recognizing and honoring the dedication, compassion, and hard work of caregivers across the nation. It’s a poignant day for the staff at CMC Embrace Hospice who provide crucial care and support to individuals and families during some of life’s most challenging moments.
“This day serves as a reminder of the tireless efforts of our staff who selflessly devote themselves to the well-being of others,” says Treena Thibodeau, MSN, RN, Executive Director of CMC Embrace Hospice. “They spend countless hours providing physical, emotional, and spiritual support to our patients and their families. This day really highlights how important each of their roles is to ensuring the comfort and dignity of our patients facing terminal illnesses, as well as offering solace and guidance to their loved ones. They do this day in and day out, no questions asked and sometimes despite their own personal hurdles.”
For CMC Embrace Hospice staff, every day is filled with profound moments of care and compassion. They form deep connections with patients and their families, providing not only medical support but also a source of strength and understanding during difficult times. They often become like extended family members, offering comfort, companionship, and a listening ear when it’s needed most.
For Christy Richardson, RN, and Director of Nursing for Embrace Hospice House with Conway Medical Center, the opportunity to provide compassionate care to individuals in their final stages of life is both a privilege and a profound responsibility.
“Every day brings unique challenges and rewards, but above all, it offers a chance to make a meaningful difference in the lives of our patients and their families,” says Christy, who has been a hospice nurse for 13 years. “Each patient is unique, with their own set of needs and preferences. We work really closely with them and the family to develop a care plan that addresses their physical and emotional needs so that they can make the most of their time with each other.”
Beyond the medical care they provide, hospice staff play a crucial role in facilitating meaningful end-of-life experiences. They help patients and families navigate complex emotions, make important decisions, and create lasting memories. Whether it’s fulfilling a patient’s final wishes or ensuring a peaceful transition, CMC Embrace Hospice staff approach their work with empathy, respect, and unwavering dedication.
“The end-of-life journey doesn’t just impact our patients; it also profoundly affects their families, their spouses, and their friends. As caregivers, we offer support and guidance to their loved ones,” explains Christy, “and we help them manage the emotional and practical challenges they face along the way.”
As Christy mentioned, CMC Embrace Hospice staff do so much more than provide medical care. They provide guidance on grief and bereavement, connect families with community resources, and serve as advocates for patients’ wishes and preferences.
There is a group of patients who are near and dear to Christy’s heart. “Many of our patients are veterans who have served their country with honor and bravery. Recognizing their service is an essential part of what we do and we try to tailor their care in a way that honors their sacrifice. They have the most amazing stories and experiences and it’s very humbling to know that these men and women have given so much for me, my country, and my family. They didn’t know us, they just did it and now it’s my honor to care for them and serve them the best way I can so I can return the favor and show my gratitude.”
Embrace Hospice House with Conway Medical Center is involved with We Honor Veterans, a program of the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO) in collaboration with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and has always demonstrated a high level of commitment to veteran-centric, specialized care for former servicemen and women who are facing a serious illness. This includes a veteran-to-veteran volunteer program, training on conflict-specific medical and mental health concerns, and knowledge to assist veterans in navigating VA benefits.
“Our whole team is committed to meeting the unique needs of our veterans who are facing advanced illness, many of whom also have different and extreme health issues as a result of their wartime service,” Treena explains. “Some may also struggle with their mental health, anxiety, and PTSD. So we evaluate and prioritize their needs so we can guide them and their loved ones through their unique challenges toward a more peaceful and enriching end-of-life experience. That’s a duty and mission that we take very seriously.”
For CMC Embrace Hospice, the end-of-life experience goes way beyond the medical aspect. They help patients and families navigate complex emotions, make important decisions, and create lasting memories. Whether fulfilling a patient’s final wishes or ensuring a peaceful transition, their staff approach their work with empathy, respect, and unwavering dedication.
“Our team members are simply phenomenal,” shares Treena. “They go way beyond their job descriptions. They offer support to families in ways that extend far beyond medical care. They connect with families in a way that no other medical service does. They are advocates; they advocate for our patients’ wishes and preferences. They hold their hands. They provide comfort when no one else is there. They grieve with these families. It’s simply impossible to list all the things that they do daily for our patients and their loved ones.”
The invaluable contributions of the staff at CMC Embrace Hospice cannot be overstated. Their commitment to providing quality end-of-life care not only improves the physical comfort of their patients but also enhances their emotional and psychological well-being. They create environments, be it in their homes or at Embrace Hospice House, where patients can find peace, acceptance, and closure, surrounded by the love and support of their families.
In honoring National Caregivers Day, we express our gratitude to CMC Embrace Hospice staff for their unwavering dedication, compassion, and empathy. Their work exemplifies the true meaning of caregiving, reminding us of the importance of supporting and honoring those who devote themselves to the well-being of others, especially during life’s most vulnerable moments.
“This is more than a job,” says Christy. “It’s purpose. It’s love.”
Your Team and Comfort at Embrace Hospice
The moments spent with a loved one during their final months, weeks, and days are precious and profound. Our team of compassionate and skilled professionals at Embrace Hospice can guide you through these final moments.
We provide hospice care designed to reduce symptoms and discomfort and improve the quality of our patient’s lives while offering support to their families and loved ones. Additionally, we can help with their spiritual and emotional needs throughout their care. If you are looking for different levels of care for your loved one, choosing the right provider is paramount. Embrace Hospice provides the best hospice care in Myrtle Beach, SC. Contact us today at 843-234-8781.
