Horizon Health Inc. Employee Spotlight: Beth Rauch
For Beth Rauch, hospice care runs in the family.
Her 100-year-old grandmother once served as a hospice volunteer. Today, Beth has been a hospice nurse for six years out of her 16 year total with Horizon Health Inc. It’s a job she takes to heart.
“People die every day,” Beth says. “But if we can help people and make those last wishes come true or be more comfortable, that’s what it’s all about."
It’s a career she never thought she’d be in and a field that’s often misunderstood. Hospice is care to enhance the quality of life for a patient who has been diagnosed with a terminal illness. The care can begin as soon as a patient receives the terminal diagnosis, not just their last few days. That’s because the care at its core is about comfort.
“Any symptoms of pain we can control, as well as psychological,” Beth says. “A lot of people misunderstand that we will stop medications and provide morphine. Instead, we work with a pharmacy.”
Hospice care is provided with the understanding that what the patient is going through is new. Every patient will be somewhat different with the grieving process, and hospice staff can help. That includes nurses, like Beth.
There are three others in the department at Horizon Health Inc. in addition to a social worker, massage therapists, hospice aides, a chaplain, and seven active hospice volunteers. Volunteers can be a key piece of the grieving component. They’re companions to provide comfort. They play cards, read or pray with hospice patients.
During any stage of hospice care, the patient and the family are always in agreement with the care plan and the entire process. Communication is important, between the patient, family, doctor, and facility, so everyone is on the same page.
“Sometimes, the nature of the work can be tough,” Beth says. “You make connections with your patients and their families.” Knowing the impact reinforces why she does what she does –like thank-you cards from family or seeing compassion on peoples’ faces. Being there for patients and their family members in one of the most difficult times of their lives is a very fulfilling experience.
“To do this job you have to have strong communication skills and be able to have tough conversations. For those considering hospice care for a loved one, don’t wait,” Beth says.
“It’s never too late,” she adds. “We can do so much more if we’re involved up front.”
