Working as a Hospice nurse, I am granted the opportunity, which I consider a sacred trust, to enter into the homes and lives of our patients. It is a great honor and privilege to do so. Daily I am reminded of what is really important – how we treat our fellow man on this journey. This trust allows me the privilege to witness the very best of humanity. Noble things like courage, kindness, faithfulness, honesty, devotion, humor, faith, and trust, I witness daily in the lives of patients and their families.
Hospice work stretches me to my limits. It keeps me constantly thinking about how to deal with problems more creatively because I am always adapting to new circumstances. It keeps me looking in the mirror and facing my mortality, which helps me to be reminded of what is important in my life. It keeps me reflecting about what I will regret or be proud of in my own life when I face death. When we can be at peace with our mortality, we are then in a position to truly live our lives to the fullest.
We are uncomfortable with death in our society. I believe the more we can come to grips with the prospect of death, the more meaningful life becomes. Life involves making the hard decisions. It is not however, about giving up. It may be about giving up the illusion that we have an inordinate amount of control. We do have control over how we choose to deal with life, that is, what life deals us. Working as a Hospice nurse provides me a constant reminder that life is good and meant to be lived with joy. Thanks to Hospice of Chattanooga as my employer, my devoted coworkers, my family and friends, and the patients and their families I have had the honor of meeting on my journey. We are all in it together.
Judy Berube
BSN, RN, CHPN, CWCN
