JOB CORPS “Hospice is a philosophy of care. It treats the person rather than the disease and focuses on quality of life. It surrounds the patient and family with a hospice care team consisting of professionals who not only address physical distress, but emotional and spiritual issues as well. Crossroads Hospice & Palliative Care services are patient-centered because the needs of the patient and family drive the activities of the hospice team”. Explains Ms. Emily Mitocky, RN, BSN staff and Site Educator at Crossroads Hospice & Palliative Care of Cleveland. On Center speaking to our CJCC STNA class during this week of National Apprenticeship Week on Tuesday, 11-15-2022.
The STNA students were attentive as they learned by asking questions that if hired at Crossroads they become the “strongest link” between the hospice team. Surrounded by an “Emotional Support Team” while they are providing healthcare & end of life care, they are never alone. “Wrap around support services” are provided to support them at all times. “Yes, you are allowed to cry with the family and patient”…says Ms. Angela Suggs, STNA from Crossroads answering concerned questions from students. Students were concerned about their emotions and Suggs, reassured them “you are never left alone to work through your emotions”, she says.
Students also learned that with their basic skill set upon completing their trade and testing, they are eligible for hire at Crossroads. Much conversation and more questions about the possibility for “internships” occurred.
“In this field, you have ample opportunity of growth potential within the medical field of your interest”, concludes Mitocky. As Suggs captures students attention with her many stories of experiences in the field of Hospice & Palliative Care. A field of compassion and caring. Stating that “the experienced and dedicated staff of Crossroads Hospice & Palliative Care spend more time with their patients than the national average for hospice providers. Helping the patients loved ones as well as the patient themselves, in Cleveland or in the surrounding areas such as Cuyahoga, Lakewood, Valley View, Geauga, Ashtabula, Trumbull, and Erie”.
Mitockey and Suggs conclude their educational group session by assuring students that Crossroads staff want patients and their families to “expect more from the Team, as they do from themselves”. As they enthusiastically encourage our CJCC students “to consider Crossroads as a potential employer, upon completion and State Tested Certification as STNA’s.
