As the Marketing Director of Patriot Healthcare, my days are typically spent in meetings, strategizing campaigns, and analyzing data. But a few weeks ago, I had the unique opportunity to step away from my desk and into the shoes of one of our hospice nurses, Lindsey. The experience was eye-opening and deeply moving, offering me a firsthand look at the incredible work our nurses do every day.
The Morning: A Different Kind of Meeting
My day began early, meeting Lindsey at the Richard M. Campbell Veteran’s Center in Anderson, SC. The morning was a beautiful one. The sun was shining and there wasn’t a cloud in the sky. The atmosphere was calm and welcoming, a stark contrast to the bustling energy of my usual office environment. We started with a quick briefing about the patients we would be visiting. Each patient has a unique story, and Lindsey seemed to know them (and their families) all intimately—not just their medical histories, but their personalities, preferences, and quirks.
Our first visit was to a gentleman who was diagnosed with late-stage dementia. I learned the man was nonverbal. As we entered the home, I noticed how Lindsey was welcomed in, and seemed to immediately put him at ease. She checked his vitals, bathed him, but more importantly, she spent time talking with his wife, all the while ensuring to include the patient in the conversation. I suppose it would be far too easy for most of us to ignore someone who could not speak or understand. Not Lindsey. She spoke about their children and great-grandchildren, even knowing their names. It was clear that this interaction was as important as any medical care he received.
After approximately one hour, Lindsey very carefully helped the gentleman stand up to his walker, she instinctively put her foot behind one of the walker’s wheels to ensure its stability when he put his weight on it. It’s odd sometimes the small things one notices that are so significant. She slowly helped him to the recliner chair next to his wife. She asked if they needed anything else (I have no doubt she would have stayed longer if they needed anything.) As we were leaving, I witnessed one of the most profound moments of my life. The gentleman, nonverbal, looked at Lindsey and said, “don’t go.”
The Afternoon: The Heart of Hospice Care
The rest of the day followed a similar pattern: visiting patients in their homes, watching Lindsey administering medication, and providing comfort not just to the patients, but also to their families. One visit stood out in particular – a 99-year-old World War II veteran, who she told me could remember every event to the day, even those of his childhood. Since he is no longer capable of driving, he walks ¼ mile each way to his favorite restaurant – several times each week. When we arrived at his home, the screen door was open, but the gentleman was sound asleep. Lindsey very gently touched him, saying his name “Mr. (first name)” – until he finally opened his eyes. And – this is something I will never forget. The second he recognized Lindsey, his eyes opened as wide as they could, and he instantly wore a toothless smile that nearly took over his entire face. It was evident that he was so happy to see her. I wish I could describe it better than I just did. As she took his vitals, she asked him questions about his family, again, remembering every person’s name and what they were going through or doing at that time. Another thing I’ll never forget was the way this amazing man would giggle after everything he said. It was simply beautiful. Lindsey navigated the situation with such grace, offering both medical support and empathetic care that went far beyond her nursing duties.
This was where I truly saw the heart of hospice care. It’s not just about managing symptoms or administering medication; it’s about providing holistic care that addresses the emotional, psychological, and spiritual needs of patients – and their families. It’s about being present in some of the most difficult moments of a person’s life and offering a steady, compassionate hand. I had no idea what I was going to experience that morning, but it was certainly something I did not expect.
I asked Lindsey how she could do this work with such grace every day. Her response is something that I’ve now learned is very common amongst hospice health professionals. She said, “I was born to do this. If I didn’t do this, I have no idea what else I would do. I bring happiness to my patients in a very hard situation. I get to know them, their stories and provide them with comfort, compassion and companionship. It’s not depressing. It’s beautiful.”
The Evening: Reflection and Gratitude
By the time we returned to Richard M. Campbell, the sun was setting, and I was both physically and emotionally drained. I couldn’t help but reflect on the strength and resilience of the nurses who do this work every day. They are not just caregivers; they are confidants, counselors, and often, the final companions to those at the end of their life journey.
Shadowing Lindsey gave me a profound appreciation for the work our hospice team does. It also reinforced the importance of what we do in the marketing department. Every campaign, every piece of content, every outreach effort—it all ultimately supports the incredible work of our nurses, helping to ensure that patients and families get the care they need when they need it most.
Lindsey H., Registered Nurse at Patriot Healthcare
A New Perspective
This experience has changed how I view my role as a Marketing Director. It’s easy to get caught up in metrics and strategies, but at the end of the day, what we do is about people. After all, we serve people. It’s about ensuring that families know they have a place to turn to during one of the most challenging times in their lives. And it’s about supporting the nurses who make that possible every single day.
If there’s one thing I took away from this day, it’s that hospice care is not just a service – it’s a calling. And I am incredibly proud to be part of a company that answers that call with such dedication and compassion.
This day left a lasting impact on me, and I encourage everyone in a non-clinical role to take the time to shadow a nurse or caregiver. It’s an experience that will change how you see your work and the people who do it. Trust me, you’ll get an entirely new perspective on life – and make you truly appreciate the little things.
