VNA & Blue Water Hospice leadership honors staff quarterly through the ‘Shining Star’ program, recognizing the extras they do for each other, their patients, and the community.
Let’s get to know Dakota!
What do you do at VNA & BWH?
I provide patient care including grief support as well as any minor cleaning needed at our Hospice Home.
What do you like best about your job at VNA & BWH?
I like being hands-on with my patients. At our Blue Water Hospice Home we have a smaller patient load than large facilities so we can develop a relationship with them. I enjoy spending time with my patients – like taking them outside for walks around the grounds and pond. That isn’t something you can do with a large patient load.
Amazingly, many don’t know our Hospice Home is here! The community needs to know that we strive to provide special attention to our patients such as partnering with Tri-Hospital EMS to give a patient one last ride past his farm, or the time Chef Shell’s made an amazing prime rib dinner, a favorite meal of another patient. It’s those extras that we can provide at VNA & Blue Water Hospice.
Why did you choose this type of work?
My great-grandmother was under hospice care. I saw the great care she received and knew I needed to help other families through the end of life process. Some people do not have a support system…I can provide them with that and then I feel like I’m truly making a difference. Many don’t understand the importance of hospice care during the dying process – I hope to spread the word.
Dakota was recognized as a Shining Star!
“Dakota is a wonderful asset to our Blue Water Hospice Team! Her focus remains on providing great quality compassionate care to our patients. She also helps support our team by covering open shifts on both day and night shifts. Dakota does any task asked of her and goes above & beyond for the patients and her team without hesitation.”
If you would like to thank a staff member, volunteer, or physician at VNA & Blue Water Hospice, go to www.vnabwh.org/thankyou/.