VNA & Blue Water Hospice leadership honors staff and volunteers quarterly through the Shining Star program, recognizing the extras they do for each other, their patients, and the community.

Let’s get to know Judy!

What do you do at VNA & BWH?

As a CNA, I make sure patients have what they need. I provide comfort to both patient and family. I aim to make a patient’s last days as pleasant as possible…and for their family as well.

Why did you choose this type of work?

At 19 years old, I was in Montana looking for a job. It was a very, very small town and extremely limited in work options. I applied at a nursing home and so began what I know is my calling. It came very natural to me. I love making people smile. I feel like our elderly population is sometimes forgotten – they still want love and laughter. I feel it is an honor to serve this population. I’ve been in Michigan since 1996 and my love for this work has grown. I’ve decided to continue my education (at the age of 51!) and pursue an RN degree – I want to be a Hospice RN.

Why do you choose to work at VNA & BWH?

Working at VNA & Blue Water Hospice just sort of happened for me. I was at a local nursing home, my former boss was employed here and needed someone to work midnights. I really connected with the smaller organization and providing more individualized care, not to mention the great team – really, we are a family. The facility is beautiful – especially our ducks! The patients, and I’ll be honest…staff too, love them!

What is a favorite memory you have of work?

Oh, so many great memories… One year for Halloween we dressed as cats and the patients absolutely loved it. It gave them a moment of levity.

I breed boxers and brought some to the Hospice Home one day to visit. One patient who was not communicative suddenly spoke when she saw the dog – such a special moment for me and her family to witness.

This may sound weird – but our Skills Fair each October. It’s mandatory for all staff and it is just so much fun to see others that we don’t see often, and leadership makes it so much fun.

Jessica recognized Judy as a Shining Star!

Judy has proved herself to go above and beyond by filling in at the kitchen during a time when it was needed. She has even stepped up in a time of need by filling in on community hospice care and seeing patients/families are receiving the best possible care. She is a great asset to the agency because of her loyalty and dedication to patient care!

If you would like to thank a staff member, volunteer, or physician at VNA & Blue Water Hospice, go to https://www.vnabwh.org/thankyou/.