Leader Spotlight: Michelle Walden, Cedar Valley Hospice, Waterloo
How long have you been in your position?
I have worked for Cedar Valley Hospice for 15 years. I have been in my current position as Clinical Services Manager for the past 8 years.
What attracted you to working in end-of-life care? What motivates you to continue working in end-of-life care?
I wanted to be an OB/Peds nurse when I was younger. I told people I was never going to work in a nursing home. I did not end up going to nursing school straight out of high school so when I went back, I started as a CNA in long term care and then an LPN while working on my RN. I realized during that time that I really enjoyed that population. It was during that time working with Cedar Valley Hospice staff coming into the facility that I started learning more about hospice care and wanted to make a difference.
I have had multiple family members and friends utilize hospice services over the years and I want to be able to provide the comfort and support to others that I have received through my personal experiences.
What's been the biggest lesson you've learned from working in end-of-life care?
I think one of the biggest lessons I have learned in working in end-of-life care is that we do not get a do over. We only get one chance to do it right. I remember every detail of the deaths of both of my parents and I want to be a part of making that as positive of an experience for others as it can be in that difficult time.
What do you like to do when you are not at work?
My husband and I can be found at Kinnick in the fall cheering on the Hawks. We also have seven grandchildren we love to spend time with. When I am not working for hospice, I teach nursing classes online for RN to BSN students. I also serve as a SANE in Black Hawk County where I go to the three local hospitals and provide care and exams to survivors of sexual assault.
|
