Hospice Care
The Power of Independence – A Volunteer’s Journey to Hospice Care
LaNissa Byrd US Navy Veteran Houston Hospice Volunteer
Wayne McPherson – From the Military to Houston Hospice
Wayne McPherson – From the Military to Houston Hospice – A Veteran’s Transition
By: Volunteer Suzy Martin and Michele Cowart, Communications, Houston Hospice
Houston Hospice Registered Nurse Case Manager and Veteran Wayne McPherson spent much of his professional career in the United States Army, from 1976 through 1991 (pictured below). His military career began in the 101st Airborne Division in Fort Campbell, Kentucky. This Air Assault division provides the U.S. an “unmatched expeditionary Air Assault capability to conduct forcible entry and other worldwide, unified land operations in support of combatant commanders,” according to their website.
From there he was deployed to Germany where he worked as a combat engineer. This battalion developed and implemented quick and creative engineering solutions in support of soldiers on combat missions.
“We repaired runways and had a system to be ready for air traffic within 30 minutes of being notified,” McPherson said. Also, for almost nine years, he worked in electronic communications.
Worst and Best Days
During training, McPherson recalled a time when he was rappelling down a mountain when his harness broke. He fell 30 feet to the ground and landed on his back. He still suffers health complications from that incident, 45 years later.
When asked about his best day, McPherson reflected on his annual firearms qualification. He said, “I shot expert for 13 years with an M16 rifle. The last time I qualified, I didn’t miss a target.”
Family History
The McPherson family’s military legacy began with his great-great grandfather who fought in Scotland before he moved to the U.S. Members of his family served in the Revolutionary War, Civil War, Spanish American War, World War II, Korean War, Vietnam War, and Gulf War.
Education
Military life, as he said, forced him to get an education, making a huge impact on his life. It began when he earned his GED, became a licensed registered nurse (RN) and earned the Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree (BSN). Organizational skills, attention to detail and a determination to get things done were skills that he learned in the Army, and these same skills help him care for hospice patients today.
Nursing Career
After his discharge from the Army, McPherson pursued a career in nursing that spanned 25 years, including critical care and hospice care at Houston Hospice.
When asked about the challenges he has faced as an RN, his most difficult experience was when he had to pronounce dead a 5-day-old baby, who was as small as his hand. “Nothing prepared me for that in my years as a nurse,” said McPherson. “I cried with the family,” he said.
McPherson has worked at Houston Hospice for five years. Initially, he cared for patients as a field and on-call nurse for 4 ½ years. Most recently, he transitioned to an RN case manager role. This field position manages and develops the plan of care for hospice patients during their end-of-life journey. In addition, McPherson coordinates the services and activities of the hospice multidisciplinary team to help patients and families live their best quality of life.
Following His Path
McPherson feels his life has been guided by God who has been active in his life. “I have always trusted God’s guidance, which led me here (Houston Hospice). It was a godsend for me and for my supervisor Diane Gilbert and the on-call team. It just felt like God picked me up in one place and set me right into the lap of the on-call team,” said McPherson.
Five years ago, his mother in-law became ill and was moved from Tennessee to Texas. “I had already talked to Diane when I was in Tennessee. I was going to apply for a position once I moved to Texas. It was quicker than I had planned!” Their in-person interview lasted three hours and this relationship with the hospice care team was exactly what McPherson needed. “I found I really loved the on-call work. It felt like being the first responder or the last responder.”
In 2021, McPherson was diagnosed with COVID and spent 10 days in the VA hospital. “The doctors told me that I wasn’t going to survive this visit.” McPherson exclaimed, “but here I am!”
Hospice Nurse Advice
When meeting nurses interested in a hospice career, he emphasizes their field experience, organizational skills, ability to focus on the job and ability to be specific when charting. “An applicant needs to have some experience before they can tackle something like this as it can pull on your heartstrings. However, if someone comes in that is interested in this job, I will never turn them away. It’s the best job I have ever had,” he said.
We Honor Veterans
McPherson was recently honored at the Houston Hospice Veterans Day pinning ceremony, in the Texas Medical Center. Retired Air Force Brigadier General Don Wagner, former president of Houston Hospice (pictured right) performed the surprise event and presented a U.S. Army Veteran certificate and custom-made We Honor Veterans Level 5 Pin in honor of McPherson’s service to the U.S.
McPherson said, “This is the most important pin I have ever received. Even through all the military awards that I have received, this makes me feel the best. The first time I delivered one of these awards to a veteran patient, I saluted him, and his wife saluted back to me for him. At the time I thought, ‘Man, I want one of these,’ never thinking I would get one. But I did!”
Giving Thanks
McPherson notes: “I have been blessed as a soldier and have been blessed as a nurse and I have had good family backing. ”Houston Hospice, in partnership with We Honor Veterans, a program of the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization, and in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, has reached We Honor Veterans Level 5, the highest level of advanced, veteran-specific hospice care dedicated to the unique needs of those who served in the U.S. Armed Forces and their families. www.houstonhospice.org/veterans.
From there he was deployed to Germany where he worked as a combat engineer. This battalion developed and implemented quick and creative engineering solutions in support of soldiers on combat missions.
“We repaired runways and had a system to be ready for air traffic within 30 minutes of being notified,” McPherson said. Also, for almost nine years, he worked in electronic communications.
Worst and Best Days
During training, McPherson recalled a time when he was rappelling down a mountain when his harness broke. He fell 30 feet to the ground and landed on his back. He still suffers health complications from that incident, 45 years later.
When asked about his best day, McPherson reflected on his annual firearms qualification. He said, “I shot expert for 13 years with an M16 rifle. The last time I qualified, I didn’t miss a target.”
Family History
The McPherson family’s military legacy began with his great-great grandfather who fought in Scotland before he moved to the U.S. Members of his family served in the Revolutionary War, Civil War, Spanish American War, World War II, Korean War, Vietnam War, and Gulf War.
Education
Military life, as he said, forced him to get an education, making a huge impact on his life. It began when he earned his GED, became a licensed registered nurse (RN) and earned the Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree (BSN). Organizational skills, attention to detail and a determination to get things done were skills that he learned in the Army, and these same skills help him care for hospice patients today.
Nursing Career
After his discharge from the Army, McPherson pursued a career in nursing that spanned 25 years, including critical care and hospice care at Houston Hospice.
When asked about the challenges he has faced as an RN, his most difficult experience was when he had to pronounce dead a 5-day-old baby, who was as small as his hand. “Nothing prepared me for that in my years as a nurse,” said McPherson. “I cried with the family,” he said.
McPherson has worked at Houston Hospice for five years. Initially, he cared for patients as a field and on-call nurse for 4 ½ years. Most recently, he transitioned to an RN case manager role. This field position manages and develops the plan of care for hospice patients during their end-of-life journey. In addition, McPherson coordinates the services and activities of the hospice multidisciplinary team to help patients and families live their best quality of life.
Following His Path
McPherson feels his life has been guided by God who has been active in his life. “I have always trusted God’s guidance, which led me here (Houston Hospice). It was a godsend for me and for my supervisor Diane Gilbert and the on-call team. It just felt like God picked me up in one place and set me right into the lap of the on-call team,” said McPherson.
Five years ago, his mother in-law became ill and was moved from Tennessee to Texas. “I had already talked to Diane when I was in Tennessee. I was going to apply for a position once I moved to Texas. It was quicker than I had planned!” Their in-person interview lasted three hours and this relationship with the hospice care team was exactly what McPherson needed. “I found I really loved the on-call work. It felt like being the first responder or the last responder.”
In 2021, McPherson was diagnosed with COVID and spent 10 days in the VA hospital. “The doctors told me that I wasn’t going to survive this visit.” McPherson exclaimed, “but here I am!”
Hospice Nurse Advice
When meeting nurses interested in a hospice career, he emphasizes their field experience, organizational skills, ability to focus on the job and ability to be specific when charting. “An applicant needs to have some experience before they can tackle something like this as it can pull on your heartstrings. However, if someone comes in that is interested in this job, I will never turn them away. It’s the best job I have ever had,” he said.
We Honor Veterans
McPherson was recently honored at the Houston Hospice Veterans Day pinning ceremony, in the Texas Medical Center. Retired Air Force Brigadier General Don Wagner, former president of Houston Hospice (pictured right) performed the surprise event and presented a U.S. Army Veteran certificate and custom-made We Honor Veterans Level 5 Pin in honor of McPherson’s service to the U.S.
McPherson said, “This is the most important pin I have ever received. Even through all the military awards that I have received, this makes me feel the best. The first time I delivered one of these awards to a veteran patient, I saluted him, and his wife saluted back to me for him. At the time I thought, ‘Man, I want one of these,’ never thinking I would get one. But I did!”
Giving Thanks
McPherson notes: “I have been blessed as a soldier and have been blessed as a nurse and I have had good family backing.”
Houston Hospice, in partnership with We Honor Veterans, a program of the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization, and in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, has reached We Honor Veterans Level 5, the highest level of advanced, veteran-specific hospice care dedicated to the unique needs of those who served in the U.S. Armed Forces and their families. www.houstonhospice.org/veterans.
Hospice Grief Awareness Day 2022
Tammy Zwahr, LPC, Houston Hospice
During your bereavement process, there is no right or wrong way to grieve. However, by understanding the stages and types of hospice grief awareness, perhaps you can find healthier ways to cope.
Grief is the natural and expected reaction to the loss of a loved one, and feelings of sadness, yearning, guilt, regret, and anger are normal.
Bereavement is the period after a loss during which you experience grief.
A quality bereavement care program will help you understand how you are responding to loss and provide support to help you deal with your grief. Reactions that people experience can be physical, emotional, social, and spiritual in nature. Common emotional reactions can include anger, guilt, anxiety, sadness, and despair. Physical reactions can include sleeping problems, changes in appetite, physical problems, or illness. It’s important to remember that no two people will respond to a loss in exactly the same way, according to the National Hospice and Palliative Care Program’s Caring Info.
The five stages of grief – Kübler-Ross Grief Cycle
Denial: “This can’t be happening to me.”
Anger: “Why is this happening? Who is to blame?”
Bargaining: “Make this not happen, and in return I will ____.”
Depression: “I’m too sad to do anything.”
Acceptance: “I’m at peace with what happened.”
Hospice bereavement services can range from support groups, memorial services, informational and educational resources, counseling, and referrals to appropriate therapeutic and community resources. The needs of each person receiving bereavement support can vary depending on their situation. Hospice bereavement programs facilitate healthy grieving and aim to prevent grief-related health and mental health problems.
“As a bereavement counselor, I travel with families through their hard work of grief,” said Tammy R. Zwahr, LPC, Houston Hospice (pictured). “I have been observing their healing and progress for the past 10 years. Watching the bereaved go from devastation to resilience is a beautiful thing. One family member, who attended our group counseling sessions for several months said that bereavement is the member of the hospice team that helps bring people back to life. It is an honor to witness their transformation.” Zwahr continued.
The Houston Hospice Bereavement Team offers individualized bereavement support for the loved ones of our patients, for up to 13 months after the death of their loved one. This can include phone support, written information normalizing grief and loss, support groups and counseling as needed. Call 713-HOSPICE or 713-677-7115 for more information.
An Empty Seat at the Table During Father’s Day – Houston Hospice’s Guide to Grief Support on Special Occasions
Father’s Day is a time for families to celebrate traditions and make memories, but for those mourning the loss of their patriarch or loved one, Father’s Day can be difficult.
Volunteer Sylvia Valverde pictured in Houston Hospice’s Garden in the Texas Medical Center.
For Sylvia Valverde, a retired Houston Independent School District administrator and Houston Hospice volunteer (pictured right), honoring her father’s legacy has helped her through her grief journey.
Read the rest of this entry »
Houston Hospice’s Butterfly Luncheon raises funds with the help of Miss America 1988 Kaye Lani Rae Rafko-Wilson, RN
Miss America 1988 Kaye Lani Rae Rafko – Wilson, RN shares her journey as a hospice nurse with community leaders at the Houston Hospice 21st Butterfly Luncheon May 6, 2022 at The Junior League of Houston.
Hospice nurse shares laughter and tears on International Nurses Day during Houston Hospice’s Butterfly Luncheon
The Houston Hospice’s Butterfly Luncheon welcomed more than 200 guests, Friday, May 6, 2022, to The Junior League of Houston. The 21st annual event raised funds for Houston Hospice and its pediatric Butterfly Program. Featured keynote speaker was Miss America 1988 Kaye Lani Rae Rafko-Wilson, RN who holds the distinction of being the first registered nurse to win the competition. Following her year of service, Rafko-Wilson became a hospice nurse and started the Hospice of Monroe in her hometown of Monroe, Michigan.
Throughout her career, Rafko-Wilson has continued to support nursing professions, hospice programs, grief support services and critical health issues. She is currently the executive director of Gabby’s Grief Center in Monroe.
Members from The Garden Club of Houston joined the 21st Butterfly Luncheon benefiting Houston Hospice and its pediatric program for hospice patients, Friday, May 6, 2022 at The Junior League of Houston.
Emcee Lisa Malosky, a journalist and owner of Lisa Malosky Productions, introduced Rafko -Wilson, who gave a moving address, with the audience alternately laughing and crying. They listened to fascinating anecdotes about her own patients and patients that she met along the way in her activities as Miss America. She emphasized how her dad instilled in her a passion for helping others and that being Miss America was never her dream, but a step in her journey as a nurse in starting a hospice care service in her hometown.
The event was chaired by Janet McKenzie, while Sarita Armstrong Hixon, Houston Hospice advisor, was honorary co-chair, Friday, May 6, 2022 from 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Houston Hospice Chair Joyce Salhoot, President & CEO Rana McClelland, Vice Chair Al Gatmaitain and Nancy Gatmaitain at the Houston Hospice 21st Butterfly Program May 6, 2022 at The Junior League of Houston.
As one of the core compassionate care services offered by Houston Hospice, The Butterfly Program is dedicated to the needs of children with life-limiting conditions and their families. Individualized care, education, advocacy, resources, and a dedicated hospice team are provided on a 24/7 basis. Additionally, the Butterfly Team consists of a pediatric physician, registered nurses, hospice aides, social workers, chaplains, bereavement counselors and volunteers.
For more information about visit HoustonHospice.org or call 713-Hospice.
Houston Hospice WOWs with New Technology
Digital Health Transformation Rolls into Hospice Care
By Suzy Martin, Volunteer Blogger
According to the recent article More Than Just Tech: How Houston’s Smart Hospitals Are Embracing Tech Innovations by Emily Reiser, “Texas Medical Center (TMC) member institutions are leading the nation in innovation and setting the standard for what smart hospitals can look like and how they will transform the healthcare landscape in the coming years.” As a TMC member institution, Houston Hospice is leading the way in Digital Health Transformation in the hospice care industry.
The 42-year-old nonprofit hospice organization implemented several new technology solutions that help doctors and nurses communicate more effectively with patients and families during fourth quarter 2021. In addition, admitting patients into hospice care is now streamlined and hospice field teams have greater access to online, on-demand, multi-lingual interpreters, as well as accurate procedural instruction available 24/7. Funding for this digital transformation effort was made possible by grants, donations, and the COVID-19 Economic Relief Fund.
Workstations on Wheels (WOWs)rolled into Houston Hospice to the excitement of nurses across the organization.
“I can’t wait to chart immediately so that I can continue to help others,” said Thomas Moore, RN, Director of Specialty Teams, and nine-year veteran of Houston Hospice.
Thomas Moore Director of Specialty Teams Houston Hospice
These eight mobile workstations help nurses document care and update electronic medical records EMRs in real time. Houston Hospice is the only hospice using WOWs in its Inpatient Unit and within its 13-county service area in Southeast Texas.
Prior to this update, nurses recorded notes on desktop computers at each of three nurses’ stations. Now that WOWs are being introduced, patient information will stay up to date which streamlines workflows. In addition to new technology, Houston Hospice uses hardware that is well known throughout the world.
The nurses at Houston Hospice also use iPads to chart notes and share confidential information securely within the seven-member hospice team called the Interdisciplinary Team (IDT). Faster charting means a better work/life balance for these IDT members. In addition, 60+ iPads (with more arriving in the future) and keyboards have been deployed for these health professionals.
Amy Morales, LVN, Houston Hospice with WOW.
Houston Hospice physicians also use secure electronic devices to assess the needs of patients and communicate updates instantly. “The [Houston Hospice] physicians use mobile laptops and iPhones, which work in much the same way as the WOWs to provide up-to-date information for the physicians during visits, to document the visit, email clinicians’ concerns about the patient, and to provide patients and families with information that they may be looking for from clinical information. I can email the nurses questions about the family’s concerns during rounds, and I often get a response before I leave the patient’s room,” said Thuy Hanh Trinh, MD, MBA, Fellow of the American Academy of Family Physicians, Fellow of the American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine, Wound Care Certified, Hospice Medical Director Certified and Team Physician, Houston Hospice.
When collaborating among team members, Houston Hospice relies on a healthcare platform that is secure and performs in real time, making high-quality care more accessible and efficient. The software increases accessibility to documentation and records and streamlines the admission process. Telehealth (seeing patients via video or audio) is also available to keep patients safe from others who may have viruses or other illnesses while caring for their unique needs.
WOWs, iPhones, iPads, and laptops are important components of improved patient management at Houston Hospice. To make these technologies work well with one another, the best software solutions must be utilized so that hospice patients and families will have the greatest care possible. To achieve this, the organization uses state-of-the-art cloud technology to obtain and share hospice information instantaneously, including everything from patient intake to documentation to scheduling, all on a secure network.
Houston Hospice nurses may find the need to research procedures specific to the needs of their patients. To accomplish these kinds of immediate goals, nurses have access to a software program that contains 1,800 procedures in various specialty settings. In addition, the program maintains compliance with current national guidelines and empowers nurses with the knowledge and confidence to make informed clinical decisions.
As Houston Hospice is a member institution of the world-renowned Texas Medical Center that hosts 10 million patient encounters annually, translation services are in great demand. The nonprofit has hired one of the best translation companies in the world to help communicate with patients from all over the world. The interpreter service provides 14,000 professionals, who are on demand interpreters and available via audio and video in 30 seconds or less.
Thuy Hanh Trinh, MD, MBA, Fellow of the American Academy of Family Physicians, Fellow of the American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine, Wound Care Certified, Hospice Medical Director Certified and Team Physician, Houston Hospice.
“The visually-enhanced translation services have been an excellent resource to help connect our patients, their families and our hospice team members,” Trinh said. “Having the mobile translation system with visual contact makes communicating with patients and families easier and more personable. The translator may be better able to address the patients who have difficulty expressing their needs, such as those with slurred speech, when the translator can see the movements of the patient’s mouth and body language.
“For example, one of my patients spoke Cantonese, but I was unaware of which Chinese dialect when I made the request. I had requested the Mandarin translator, who recognized the patient’s dialect even though the patient was speaking with a muffled voice, and she was able to refer me directly to the Cantonese translator for the patient’s support. I think the translator’s ability to see the patient made a difference in realizing what was needed during the visit. The visually enhanced translation system has been a great asset to ensure our hospice team can address the patients’ and families’ needs at any time of day or night,” Trinh said.
As Houston Hospice continues to find new ways to help patients and their families, the use of advanced technology continues to play a key role. “Technology used by Houston Hospice is designed to improve communication between doctors, nurses and patients,” said Scott Watson, IT Manager, Houston Hospice. “This improved care coordination allows for the care of patients remotely and saves time for both the doctor and patient.”
When working to advance technology in the healthcare industry, speaking with colleagues about best practices adds value to the organization’s progress. “We are collaborating with a hospice in Tyler [Texas] to share best practices for healthcare technology implementation,” Watson said. “As we continue to share valuable insights with one another, we will improve hospice care for patients across Texas, the U.S. and even the world.”
As a subject matter expert in IT, Watson has made a prediction that technology in the hospice environment will only get faster and easier to use.
Houston Hospice WOWs with New Technology and its compassionate care is unmatched, reaching hundreds of patients daily. It continues to offer vital services for patients and families, using state-of-the-art practices and procedures. As the organization continues to reach new patients and families who could benefit from hospice care, it will continue to look for new ways to advance hospice care for patients of all socio-economic backgrounds, ethnicities, and beliefs, regardless of their ability to pay.
For more information about Houston Hospice, visit https://www.houstonhospice.org/what-we-do/services/
Houston Hospice Gardens of Light Offers Grief Support Throughout Holidays
Houston Hospice illuminates scenic garden with 150,000 brilliant lights in memory of loved ones
Houston Hospice Gardens of Light in support of Bereaved Families.
A rapport between a beautifully lit, fall garden and string duet created a safe space for those grieving the loss of loved ones during the holiday season at Houston Hospice’s inaugural Gardens of Light remembrance event, Tuesday, November 30, 2021.
Families from all generations were in awe as they walked among 80-year-old trees adorned with 150,000 brilliant lights, sipped on warm Wassel, and enjoyed festive treats. Many onlookers reconnected with others, and there were also some who sat and reflected in quiet contemplation. “It is not a surprise that many attendees lost family members over two decades ago, yet still remember how much they appreciated the care and support provided by Houston Hospice,” said Crystal J. Williams, LMSW, Manager of Bereavement Services, Houston Hospice. “Family members shared tears, fond memories and endless appreciation for our staff’s compassion,” she continued.
NPHI Welcomes Houston Hospice
The National Partnership for Healthcare and Hospice Innovation (NPHI), the national voice for not-for-profit hospice and palliative care providers, welcomes Houston Hospice as a new member.
Established in 1980, Houston Hospice is the largest non-profit hospice in Greater Houston. Their service area spans across 13 counties in Texas, including Austin, Brazoria, Chambers, Colorado, Fort Bend, Galveston, Harris, Jackson, Liberty, Matagorda, Montgomery, Waller, and Wharton.
“NPHI is thrilled to welcome Houston Hospice to our member organization,” said Tom Koutsoumpas, NPHI CEO. “As we grow as an organization, our shared mission to advocate for the highest-quality, community based, not-for-profit hospice, palliative, and advanced illness care, can only flourish that much more.”
Houston Hospice offer a variety of services including hospice care, grief support, Veteran-specific care, and community engagement. Specifically, routine home care, continuous crisis care, general inpatient care, and respite care are provided as needed by compassionate teams that are always accessible.
Rana McClelland, President & CEO, Houston Hospice.
“Houston Hospice is thrilled to join the National Partnership for Healthcare and Hospice Innovation to collaborate on programs centered around advocacy and education for patients, families and community members,” said Rana McClelland, MBA, President & CEO (pictured right). “As a hospice care provider for over 40 years and a member of the Texas Medical Center, Houston Hospice is focused on reaching more patients in need of quality hospice care, including Veterans and the diverse population that comprises our 13-county service area,” continued McClelland. “We look forward to exchanging ideas, contributing our expertise and building more advanced models of care for hospice patients and families, alongside leaders such as NPHI and other nonprofit hospice and palliative care organizations.”
NPHI looks forward to collaborating with Houston Hospice and continuing to advocate for high-quality, community-based, not-for-profit hospice, palliative, and advanced illness care to patients throughout the nation.
The National Partnership for Healthcare and Hospice Innovation (NPHI) is a collaborative of 75+ not-for-profit, community-integrated hospice and palliative care providers dedicated to ensuring patients and their families have access to care that reflects their individual goals, values and preferences. Representing providers from 31 states and the District of Columbia, NPHI and its members help design more innovative and effective models of care, advocate for comprehensive and community-integrated care customized to meet each person’s unique needs, and build collaboration between national thought leaders, decision-makers, and other healthcare stakeholders to improve hospice care. Learn more about NPHI at nphi.info.
Click here to read about Houston Hospice Volunteer of the Year Jerri Trigg.
Houston Hospice Achieved Level 5 of We Honor Veterans Program
To meet the needs of the growing Veteran population, Houston Hospice achieved Level 5 of the We Honor Veterans Program, focusing on education, advocacy, and mentorship, dedicated to the unique needs of those who served in the U.S. Armed Forces and their families. In partnership with We Honor Veterans (WHV), a program of the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO), and in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has developed a specialized hospice care plan for the increasing number of Veterans who are nearing end-of-life.
