Community Care Hospice Personal Care Specialists Share Their Stories During National Nursing Assistants Week

During National Nursing Assistants Week, June 17-24, Community Care Hospice, an affiliate of Ohio’s Hospice, takes a moment to recognize and thank our personal care specialists for all they do 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year to provide superior care to our patients and families we are privileged to serve.  

“We are grateful and thankful for our personal care specialists’ kindness, compassion and expert care,” said Missi Knisley, executive director of Community Care Hospice. “They make a difference in the lives of patients and families with every interaction. We appreciate all they do to serve our mission.” 

At Community Care Hospice, personal care specialists are state tested nursing assistants (STNAs). They provide the essential daily, hands-on care in homes, nursing homes and inpatient settings. As professionals, the personal care specialists are instrumental in promoting and safeguarding the physical, mental, emotional, social and spiritual well-being of the patients and their families.   
  
They participate as members of the interdisciplinary team and communicate any patient changes or updates to ensure proper response time and quality patient care. Ohio’s Hospice also has several STNAs who serve the organization in non-clinical ways, including scheduling and pharmacy services. Others serve as buyers, Hospice House coordinators and excellence educators.  
  
Our personal care specialists go above and beyond each and every day. They work days, evenings, weekends and holidays. They provide or assist with personal care, including but not limited to bathing, dressing, oral hygiene, hair care, meal preparation, feeding, transfers and exercises.    
  
We invite you to meet some of our personal care specialists. 

• Dorothy Clark has been a personal care specialist at Ohio’s Hospice of Fayette County for 27 years. She chose this career because she enjoys the work and meeting people. Her favorite part about being a personal care specialist is being able to put a smile on patients’ faces. “Every patient is special,” Dorothy said. 

• Tracy Hart has been a personal care specialist for 35 years. She has served patients with Community Care Hospice for 13 years. She decided to become a personal care specialist because she loves taking care of people. Her favorite part about her role is being there for patients when they need it most. 
   
• Barbara Hurley has been a personal care specialist for more than 35 years. She decided to become a personal care specialist because she wanted to spend time with patients. In her role, she said she takes care of patients the way she would want her loved ones to be cared for. “It’s a wonderful feeling to know that you are impacting someone else’s life with your presence,” Barbara said. 
   
• Brandy Laws has been a personal care specialist for the past 17 years because she loves helping and caring for people. She enjoys meeting new people and hearing their stories. Her favorite part about her role is when a family member or patient expresses thanks for the care she provides. 

• Kelli McCoy has been a personal care specialist for six years. She became a personal care specialist because she wanted to spend more time with patients. Her favorite moments are when she walks into homes and the patients are happy to see her. “I love helping them feel better,” she said. “The families are thankful for our help.” 
   
• Tricia Warner has been a personal care specialist for the past 18 years because she likes to care for others. She enjoys bringing comfort and peace to patients and families during a difficult time in their lives.