Gina has been the primary nurse for our hospice team for the past 4 years. I have seen her, day in and day out, put the needs of patients and families on her top priority. She goes above and beyond to do what she needs in order to ensure patients' needs are met, questions are answered, and patients are comfortable. She takes the time to provide extensive education to patients and families regarding signs and symptoms of disease progression, prognosis, and what to expect. She often tells them that she doesn't "sugar coat" anything so that they know what to expect and make the most of whatever time the patient has left. This is what families have expressed about what they love about Gina. They appreciate her realistic approach and the compassion she gives while she provides this education. She advocates for patients' wishes and ensures they have dignity and autonomy when it may feel they have lost everything. Gina communicates and collaborates with the entire team to ensure that all patients' needs are met from all disciplines and that all disciplines receive important updates relating to the patient's decline. Gina is willing to help her teammates with visits whenever she is asked, even if she has a full day of visits, hasn't finished following up on other visits, or feels overwhelmed. Gina is definitely one of the best hospice nurses I have ever worked with. I am truly honored to have her on my team!

We have an 81-year-old patient who is still her own decision-maker. At the very start of services, she had expressed to Gina that she wishes to not be on too many medications that are unnecessary. Her children consistently call Gina and demand for her to add various medications that are not needed as the patient's symptoms are manageable with the current regime. Gina provides education to the family time and again on the reasons why desired medications are not needed and provides advocacy time and again on the patient's behalf.

We have a 96-year-old patient whose daughter lives with her to care for her. Her POAHC is activated, and she is slowly declining more each day. The daughter is aware; however, she is having difficulty accepting that there is nothing she can do. This daughter desires to take the patient to the eye doctor, dentist, dermatologist, etc. to address minor things unrelated to hospice. At each visit, Gina provides education on hospice philosophy, comfort care, and signs of disease progression. Gina provides extensive education and allows the daughter to make decisions that she feels are in the best interest of the patient. She also provides much emotional support and validation to the daughter, who fears that the patient's decline could be due to poor caregiving. Gina often praises this daughter for her excellent care.