When the rest of the world is asleep… we’re there

What a great way to describe our staff. When the world is asleep, most of our patients lie awake. Pondering life. Scared of what is to come. With worries of what will happen to their families after they are gone to some deeper fears, our night shift has the opportunity to provide a shoulder to cry on for our patients. “With less hustle and bustle than the daytime, our night shift staff really has the opportunity to connect with our patients,” said Bill Rascoe, Regional Manager – WPB Central Area. “They listen to them, as a friend, sometimes even sharing their own feelings. Most importantly though, they create a bond with a patient or family member that many are thankful for at such a difficult time in their lives.”

Virginia Marczak, RN, Annie Walker, RN, and Emma McMillian, CNA

Here at Hospice of Palm Beach County we are lucky to have some of the most incredible staff. We have the most compassionate, autonomous, empathetic nurses to care for our patients and families at the time of their greatest need. Whether it is just a small gesture like stopping by to say hello, or being somebody to talk to, every thing our staff does makes a huge impact on a patient’s well being and a family’s comfort at such a difficult time. And, as the rest of the world sleeps, our night shift keeps everything running smoothly. “We are incredibly lucky to have such great teams that work the night shifts,” said Cheri Larese, Inpatient Supervisor at Palm Beach Gardens Medical Center. “I really respect the work our night shift does. They have less resources to work with, yet they make sure everything is in perfect order.”

“I have worked the night shift for many years,” said Barbara Cameron, Charge Nurse at the Gerstenberg Inpatient Unit. “I feel it gives me a better opportunity to connect with my patients. Though we still have a lot of work to do, we don’t have to worry about meals or visitors. We really have the opportunity to have a conversation with our patients.”

Being a part of the night shift also gives staff the opportunity to serve as the eyes and ears for the rest of the care team. They can really monitor the patients while making them feel safe, feel cared for and feel like they truly have friends here. And, though everyone has a different perspective on how they can help, everyone does make a difference.

William Lazo, RN, Dora Berrio, RN, Yveline Jean Louis, CNA

“The Bethesda night team has been here for many years,” said John Panico, Patient Care Supervisor at the Bethesda Unit. “All of them truly love their jobs and know how to handle any situation. I am proud of the team I have in place. They are very autonomous. And, even though they have no supervisor on duty with them, they use their experience to troubleshoot and solve any problem that may arise.”

So, the next time you lie awake at night, unable to sleep, think of how great our after-hours staff is. They are an invaluable part of our team and we are incredibly lucky to have each and every one of them.

Jennifer Martinez
Communications Manager