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Hospice Recognizes National Nurses Week – May 6 to 12, 2024

Nurses are the backbone of healthcare, and though Maya Angelou was not a nurse, her mother, Vivian Baxter Johnson, was. One Ms. Angelou’s most familiar and famous quotes is, “As a nurse, we have the opportunity to heal the heart, mind, soul, and body of our patients, their families, and ourselves. They may forget your name, but they will never forget how you made them feel.” Maya Angelou.

Undoubtedly, all nurses have a unique calling, but today, my focus will be on hospice nurses. Hospice nurses recognize that healing comes in a variety of ways. Medical interventions and treatment often prove to be effective; sometimes, there is what can be described as nothing other than a miracle healing. At other times, God gives patients and families peace, knowing God will soon be welcoming His beloved home— eternal and forever healing.

I want to recognize the Hospice Nurses I work with daily and, for the most part, have worked with for many years. Though I’m known to call them “my girls or “my nurses,” they are indeed my family and my friends. Therefore, with utmost respect, I wish to recognize the Andalusia Agency nurses for their daily compassionate and professional care of our patients and families. Thank you, Kim Ray, Sara Anderson, Gina Hicks, Jo Anna Straughn, Leann Canant, Maggie Hartley, Tim Stewart, and Jerinda Longo. These nurses consider it an honor to offer care and compassion to those they serve. Together with the patient’s physician and hospice interdisciplinary team – Aveanna’s nurses take care of the medical details, thus allowing the patient and their family to focus on making the most of each day.

As always, it is an honor to answer any questions you may have concerning the admitting criteria and benefits of hospice healthcare. You may always contact our office or the hospice of your choice.

“Our home in Heaven was never designed by God to be our last option but rather our intended destination.” Author Unknown

— Vickie C. Wacaster is a Patient and Hospice Advocate for Aveanna Hospice.