As a hospice nurse with Mother Teresa Hospice in New Sewickley Township, PA, Kelley Fishovitz has made it her life’s work to help terminal patients. Most importantly, she wants to help her patients die with dignity and in comfort. This means that in any given workday, Fishovitz might encompass the role of medical professional, grief counselor, or friend.
Working as a hospice nurse can take its toll emotionally, but for the most part Kelley finds her work fulfilling. It’s certainly not a profession for everybody, but for those who choose it, Fishovitz says there is a real sense of appreciation from patients and their families.
Hospice care is comprised of a team of professionals working together to provide the best possible care to a patient. Social workers, chaplains, nurses, and other medical professionals determine a comprehensive plan according to each individual’s needs, wants, and beliefs. However, despite being part of a team, Fishovitz often finds herself wearing many different hats. While administering medications or changing diapers to keep a patient comfortable, she might also be simultaneously listening to grieving family members.
While the emotional part of the job is very challenging, it can also take its toll on Fishovitz’ family. With two small children at home, she is often called away from parties, soccer practices, dinner, or sleeping in the middle of the night to assist a dying patient. For Fishovitz, a normal workload is about a dozen patients, and she becomes a part of each of their families because end-of-life care is such a personal experience. She has made it her own personal code as a hospice nurse to attend viewings and funerals for her beloved patients.
In the role of hospice nurse, you have to accept that every patient in your care is going to die, but that fact doesn’t deter Fishovitz. She knows that hospice care requires a strong person, and it’s a job meant only for a few special people, and being one of those people is exactly why she does it. Thank you, Kelley Fishovitz, our Nurse of the Week, for your compassionate and positive care as a hospice nurse.
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