NASH UNC HOSPICE: Caring for the Patient, One Family Member at a Time 

When Brenda Shields was told that her husband, James, needed to be placed under hospice care, she was filled with emotions and questions. But thanks to the team at Nash UNC Health Care Hospice & Palliative Care, her concerns were put at ease and the experience was filled with compassion and extraordinary care.

Shields recognized Letisha Richardson, a nurse on the hospice team, for the role she played in supporting the family during a difficult time.

“She became a valued member of our family during a year-long period of care. Through many weary and anxious days, I leaned on her rock-solid shoulder for help as a caregiver for James,” Shields explained in a letter.

Richardson not only provided support and care during the process, but she was the calm that Shields needed during such an emotional and difficult time.

“When I would operate on five thousand with much fear and trepidation, she would swoop in with her calm demeanor and bring me back down to earth. I marveled at the strength she provided me,” Shields said.

The Nash UNC Health Care Hospice & Palliative Care team is a group of medical professionals who help patients and families during some of the most difficult situations. While the team is there to care for and keep patients as comfortable as possible, they are also there to provide love, support, and care to each patient’s family.

When a patient enters hospice care due to a terminal illness or medical situation, the hospice team doesn’t just provide care for the patient, it rallies around the entire family. The team is known for providing compassionate, kind, and loving care to all they encounter during a patient’s hospice process. And that extraordinary care is exactly what earns this team consistent positive feedback from patients, families, and the community.

Sherri Alligood, director of the hospice program at Nash UNC, knows she’s lucky to have professionals like Richardson on her team who provide strength, love, and support to patients and their families.

“Letisha is an exceptional hospice nurse who always guides patients and families through their care with compassion. She meets families where they are in their understanding and acceptance of the situation, while supporting them to provide the necessary care for their loved one,” Alligood said.

It’s not just Richardson who is making an impact on others. The entire team is often thanked for the care they provide.

Chanequa Bryant reached out to Alligood recently about her experience with the entire hospice team when they cared for her uncle. Bryant is a former hospice nurse, and currently works as a nursing supervisor, so experiencing the hospice process as a patient’s family member gave her a new perspective on how impactful the Nash UNC team can be.

“Words truly cannot express my gratitude for the care and support that was given by every one of you. I have a whole new understanding of the hospice experience from the family perspective and you guys are truly, absolutely amazing at what you do,” Bryant said. “With your care and compassion, you are touching the hearts of patients and families. You are truly an amazing team.”

Dr. Douglas Boyette, medical director for the hospice program, made a special connection with Bryant’s uncle and entire family.

“During Dr. Boyette’s visit to my uncle’s home on the Sunday he was admitted to hospice, he was an exemplar of the Nash UNC core values: trust in compassion, above and beyond, committed to connections, and service leadership. Dr. Boyette got down on his knees on the floor beside my uncle’s bed, looked him in the eye, and had the most compassionate and honest conversation with my uncle and my family. He met the emotional and spiritual needs of my uncle and all 12 family members who surrounded the bedside. For the last 6 days of my uncle’s life, he received the best care possible thanks to Nash hospice,” Bryant said.

Alligood said it’s moments like Bryant described that make her feel proud to be part of the team.

“We approach our involvement in a patient’s care as a privilege, and are honored to provide any support we can for our patients and their loved ones. I am humbled to be a part of such an outstanding group.”