Photo courtesy of www.ourhealthvirginia.com
Bliley’s Funeral Home in Richmond honored two Hospice of Virginia nurses for their “inspiring” care of patients at end-of-life. Every year the Bliley Funeral Home honors compassionate caregivers in an annual Caregiver Awards banquet. This year the funeral home honored eleven end-of-life caregivers from across the Richmond area. Hospice of Virginia is proud to have two caregivers recognized – Joyce Brookman and Jennifer Gittman.
Joyce Brookman has been with Hospice of Virginia for two years and has been a nurse in the Richmond area for over 15 years. During her time as a nurse, she has cared for hundreds of patients and families who often tell her that they feel as though she is an angel sent to help them through a difficult time. She loves helping patients get comfortable and seeing the positive effect the relief of pain can have on the whole family. Recently she was able to attend to a patient during his final days and nights along with the man’s wife. The wife would spend evenings reading the Bible to her husband and Joyce would listen and pray with the family. Even though she spent many hours outside of her normal work week to be with the patient, she was grateful to be with the sweet couple during those final days.
Jennifer Gittman has been with Hospice of Virginia for almost two years and has over 12 years of nursing experience. Gittman knew she wanted to work in hospice ever since she did her clinical rotations in nursing school. End-of-life care is her calling and her patients and families are grateful for her service. A few months ago she remembers getting a call in the middle of the night from one of her patient’s family member who was concerned. The patient was only a quick drive from her house so Gittman jumped out of her bed and raced to her patient’s side, still wearing her pajamas. The patient passed away that night and Gittman was glad to be there for the patient and family.
Hospice of Virginia was also recognized as one of the top three hospice providers in the Richmond Area by www.ourhealthvirginia.com – an online publication covering health news and organizations in the state of Virginia. Hospice of Virginia is proud to serve patients and families in the Richmond area, as well as those living in and around Newport News, Tappahannock, and Farmville. Hospice of Virginia is dedicated to making sure that no one dies alone, afraid, or in pain.
Please join us in congratulating Jennifer, Joyce and the Hospice of Virginia team.
Hospice of Virginia is a sister agency to our hospice offices in five other states – Harrison’s Hope in Idaho, Serenity Hospice in Oregon, Hospice Partners in Kansas and Missouri, and Alamo Hospice in Texas.