Richard Honzel, Hospice Admission Nurse for Angels Grace Hospice, LLC, has been named a 2022 Frontline Honors honoree by Hospice News.
To become a Frontline Honoree, an individual is nominated by their peers. The candidate must be a dedicated, high-performing frontline worker who delivers exceptional experiences and outcomes; a passionate worker who knows how to put their vision into action for the good of seniors and aging industry professionals; and an advocate for seniors, their industry, and their peers.
Hospice News caught up with Honzel to discuss their time in the hospice care industry.
HSPN: What drew you to the Hospice Care industry?
Honzel: Back when I was working as a social worker in an assisted living program I was able to witness the comfort and compassion a hospice nurse provided to one of our residents and her family. She skillfully and gracefully led them into uncharted territory. It made a lasting impression and after returning to school and becoming a nurse I suppose I rather gravitated toward this field.
What’s your biggest lesson learned since starting to work in the industry?
If you let patients and families tell their story and just answer their questions, they will figure out for themselves if hospice is right for them and if the timing is right for them now. Folks just want to tell their story and want to know that you care enough to really hear it.
What’s your favorite part about your job?
Learning people’s stories and perhaps making a connection. I love it.
What do you want society (or the general public) to know about your job?
Well, I think we all realize that death eventually comes to all of us even though we spend a lot of energy pushing that knowledge out. It actually can be a beautiful and sweet part of life in many ways for many people. I suppose my job is to help find out what comfort and dignity means to the individual / family. I don’t think anyone wants a mass produced or cookie cutter death; they are looking for something handmade and tailored to their unique life.
What may be one thing leaders don’t know, that you wish they universally knew, about your job?
It takes time and patience to have initial discussions about hospice and do it right. It simply can’t be rushed. One of the things that I love about working for Angels Grace is that they don’t just pay lip service to that fact; they actually give me the time to spend with each prospective patient / family to find out their needs and give them the attention they deserve. I never feel rushed or pressured and think that is unique in the industry.
To view the Frontline Honors Class of 2022, visit frontlinehonors.agingmedia.com
