As we played Evening Bells for “Jane”, I could see it touch her soul in a way words could not express, and tears begin to fall. “Jane”, in her late 90s, has a quiet strength and a deep love for music, particularly opera. Evening Bells is her favorite song—a piece that reminds her of simpler, … Continue reading “Moments of Grace”
How Volunteering in Hospice Transformed My Perspective
During my time volunteering in hospice care, I had the privilege of forming a meaningful relationship with one of my first patients, a former basketball coach. For the purposes of privacy protection, I’ll call him John. He was a warm and pleasant man, and our interactions developed into a bond similar to that of a … Continue reading “How Volunteering in Hospice Transformed My Perspective”
The Simplicity in Life’s Complexities
I have always been eager to learn, and I truly value how individual and unique the lives of humans are. We are all so complex and so beyond complete understanding of one another, so when I began my Hospice journey in September of 2024, I was most excited to sit down and hear of the … Continue reading “The Simplicity in Life’s Complexities”
Learning to Be Flexible
My most meaningful Hospice patient relationship was with my first one, who I will call Mary. Mary has been my patient throughout the entire time that I have been in the Athena Program. She has been my biggest lesson during my time as a hospice volunteer. When I first started in September, I was ready … Continue reading “Learning to Be Flexible”
An Eternal Experience
Becoming a volunteer through the Athena Institute Pre-Med Hospice Volunteer program has greatly shaped my approach to patient care as well as life in general. By meeting with hospice patients at a local nursing home, I have learned much from their experiences and have gained so many new perspectives. In the assignments and the reflection … Continue reading “An Eternal Experience”
Empathy and Gratitude Learned from Others
“John” was the first patient we met at the hospice center. On our first day, we were heading to meet the floor staff when we spotted “John” taking a stroll nearby. The staff introduced us to him, and he turned out to be a very energetic and lively man. He shared that he went boxing … Continue reading “Empathy and Gratitude Learned from Others”
A Lesson in Patient Care: More Than Just the Patient
Working in hospice has transformed the way I view patient care. When I first started, I assumed my primary responsibility would be to help the patient directly, but I quickly learned that my role extended beyond that. One patient, Mr. “Bennett” (name changed for privacy), deeply impacted me and shifted my understanding of what it … Continue reading “A Lesson in Patient Care: More Than Just the Patient”
An important lesson learned
The Athena Institute Hospice Program provided me with an invaluable opportunity for me to develop a wonderful relationship with a non-verbal patient. When our program director first introduced me to the gentlemen, all of the scenarios I had played in my head of what the interaction would look like went out the window. I had … Continue reading “An important lesson learned”
Presence in the Present
When I first met my patient (I will give her the name “Jane” for patient privacy) I was unsure of what our relationship was going to be like. Her polished room, with neat labels on most things, and an organized array of familial pictures gave me an idea that she was someone who was very … Continue reading “Presence in the Present”
The Beauty of Life
During my time volunteering with the Athena Hospice Program, I have been paired with only one patient. I have had the opportunity to make weekly visits to this same patient over the course of the semester and I feel like I have truly gotten to know this individual and make an impact, however small, on … Continue reading “The Beauty of Life”