Importance of Hospice Care

Kristi Choyce, RN, CHPPN, has been a pediatric hospice nurse with Gilchrist for three years. She is proud to support families through the most challenging times they will ever face. Gilchrist, a part of the GBMC HealthCare system, provides comprehensive and compassionate care to those facing a life-limiting illness. Like GBMC, Gilchrist deeply values the nurse’s role in the entire healthcare continuum.

Choyce shared that one of the most fulfilling parts of her job is the bond and trust that is formed with her patients and their families, so much so that they are comfortable bringing their child home for end-of-life care. Recently, the mother of a child with a terminal illness told her, “Had we not gotten to you so soon, and built this relationship, I wouldn’t have trusted myself to care for my child at home. And because of you, I was able to give my child what {he} wanted at the end of his life.”

A mother herself, Choyce understands the importance of her job and works with each one of her patients, and their families, with the care and respect that she would want if her own child was terminally ill.

Choyce and her fellow pediatric hospice nurses in the Gilchrist Kids Program go above and beyond for their patients and families. They visit each home once a week, sometimes more, and they are always in contact with the families. The nurses can provide certain medical procedures in the home to prevent an uncomfortable trip to the hospital for the child, they ensure that all medications are filled, and confirm the families have all medical supplies they need. “It’s just one less thing that they need to worry about,” she said.

Choyce shared how much it means to her and her team to receive recognition from the community. Pediatric hospice is extremely difficult for people to think about, so it’s not a field that is often highlighted. Whether it is a donation or a message of gratitude, it means so much to the nurses for their patients and families to be supported. GBMC HealthCare is proud to partner with Gilchrist to provide these services to families in need.

You can be a champion for pediatric hospice nurses like Kristi Choyce by donating to support Kristi and her nursing colleagues. A donation to support GBMC Nursing provides the opportunity for GBMC and Gilchrist to attract and retain the best nurses in our community. Additionally, a gift to Gilchrist Kids will provide medical care and emotional support to improve the quality of life for terminally ill children and their families.