Inside Athena: Hospice CNA Finds Purpose in Caring for Patients
FARMINGTON, C.T. — Arleza Duckett loves being a certified nurse assistant. While working at a nursing home for nearly 20 years, she was introduced to hospice care. She saw the hospice staff come in to support the residents on hospice care and witnessed firsthand the compassionate care provided by each team member.
“I would see [the hospice team] come in and always thought to myself, ‘I could do that,’” she said. “Working in hospice I can spend more time with them, and I can comfort them.”
Duckett is now in her sixth year as a C.N.A. with Athena Home Health & Hospice. For her, the most meaningful part of her work is the time she spends with the patients she cares for.
She strives to make them feel comfortable, whether that is assisting with activities of daily living, looking at photos with them, listening to music, getting them a drink of water or just having a conversation, she is there to spend time with them.
“Typically, the first thing I do [when I get to a patient] is observe,” Duckett said. “Making sure they are comfortable or if they are experiencing pain, I will tell the nurse so they can help.”
She said at times some patients on hospice are nonverbal and she looks for other gestures and body language to get a measure on if the patient is comfortable.
Duckett works closely with the interdisciplinary hospice team, including the RN case manager, social worker, chaplain, bereavement coordinator, and volunteers.
Jazmyn Jenkins, an RN Case Manager with Athena Home Health & Hospice, works closely with Duckett and said she is a “valuable asset” to the team and brings patience and dedication to those she cares for.
“Arleza is truly an amazing person and employee,” Jenkins said. “She goes above and beyond to care for our patients without hesitation and does an amazing job. I am so grateful to have her as a part of my team.”
Duckett said she believes hospice care is very special and important. She said it’s always hard when the patient passes, but said, “I’m here to do what I can to make them feel comfortable. It is very satisfying for me to help, and I feel good about it.”
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