Through hospice and palliative care, nurses are tasked with caring for patients during their most vulnerable moments. Often stigmatized, Comfort & Coping explores the true essence of hospice and palliative care, as seen through the eyes of Spartan Nurses. 

Their perceptions of life, death and terminal illness have been influenced and challenged throughout their heartening journey of providing patient-centered, end-of-life care.

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Rediscovering nursing through hospice care
Arienne Patano, BSN '17

Though young, Arienne Patano, BSN '19, has a deep appreciation for working with hospice patients. Since recently embarking on her journey at Hospice of Lansing (HOL), her passion for nursing has never been stronger. READ MORE.

How to prepare for the end of life
Associate Professor Dr. Linda Keilman, MSN '89 

With close to 40 years of experience in both hospice and palliative care, Associate Professor Dr. Linda Keilman educates and informs dementia and Alzheimer patients at MSU Health Care. Whether it's helping them improve day-to-day functions or connecting their families with resources in the community, the patient is always at the center. READ MORE.

Destigmatizing death
Sarah Smid, BSN '17

Like many hospice nurses, Sarah Smid, BSN '17, considers caring for her patients a privilege. Since pursuing nursing as a second career, she has found a home in hospice care and aims to destigmatize the perceptions surrounding it.  READ MORE.

Finding privilege in palliative care
Julie Bekius, MSN '01

The palliative care team at Spectrum Health provides upstream care for patients facing a terminal diagnosis. For almost 10 years, Spartan Nurse Practitioner Julie Bekius has treated patients from all walks of life during their most vulnerable moments, which she considers life's greatest gift. READ MORE.

Building lasting connections through hospice 
Emily Stoddard, BSN '17

Emily Stoddard, BSN '17, never considered hospice nursing as an option until a guest lecturer came and spoke at the college. Since finding the gift of end-of-life care, she has built long-lasting relationships with patients and their families through her work at CorsoCare. READ MORE.

A soft place to land for patients
Christine Merchant, BSN '98

Christine Merchant uses her role as a palliative care nurse to foster critical conversations for patients and their families who are reaching an ultimatum. READ MORE.

The gift of song
Anne Koziara, BSN '22

Recent graduate Anne Koziara uses her vocal talent to soothe patients during their most difficult moments. READ MORE.