My dad, B, passed away after 4 ½ years of a courageous battle with multiple myeloma. Lauren Gochenour served as his hospice nurse. Working full-time, 40-60 hours per week, I was taking care of my dad at night, and on weekends. My mother was trying to help, but she has many health issues of her own. We reached a point where we needed help. We contacted Hospice of the Shenandoah, and the next day Lauren Gochenour met my dad and mother. When I returned home that evening, I asked dad how everything went. He said, “Son, she’s a perfect fit. I could not have handpicked anyone better for the job at hand.” This was very comforting. Lauren established a plan of treatment. She brought and administered medicine, pre-filled syringes for us, changed bandages, emptied the foley, and kept us with needed supplies. My mother was extremely relieved to have such a competent, compassionate person, caring for B in his last days.

During this time, Lauren and I established and maintained contact, via calls or texts, throughout each day. Lauren was always approachable and available. The last week, before my dad passed away, Lauren, with all her other patients and responsibilities, would stop by twice a day to care for B. Her compassion was not only for my dad, but for my mother, my brother, and myself.

Lauren has grown very close to our family. She absolutely loves B and my mom. Lauren attended dad’s funeral service and graveside service. She stood up at the funeral service and spoke of her love for B while choking back tears. Hospice nursing is not Lauren’s job. It is who she is. Lauren knows technical nursing and is extremely competent. But more so, she is a heart with arms and legs, so caring, so compassionate. Lauren is so full of life, energy, and love, and is ready to give all of herself as needed.

I mentioned I was going to nominate her and she said “no, I don’t need an award. Caring for patients is reward enough.” Sounds cliché, but I believe her. More reason for her to be recognized. Every time I would compliment her or thank her, she would get embarrassed, turn red in the face, and get quiet. Lauren Gochenour, quiet? These traits are manifestations of humility and selflessness. Perhaps two of the most admirable traits a person can have. For this very reason, Lauren should receive a DAISY.

Lauren Gochenour is a technically competent nurse, who also happens to be a humble, warm, caring, compassionate, energetic human being, always ready to give to herself in the service of others. B lived to be 87 years old. He was my dad for the 53 years of my life. Lauren Gochenour only knew him for two weeks. But the way she took care of him, she will be linked to our family forever. Lauren is a credit to the nursing profession. Augusta Health Hospice of the Shenandoah should feel proud to have her in its service.