Aumend Cunningham, Nurse Case Manager at Bella Care Hospice
It is always wonderful to be able to teach hospice caregivers about the Hospice Caregiver Award from Schoedinger, especially if they are being honored as a monthly winner at the same time. That’s what happened to Aumend Cunningham, Nurse Case Manager with Bella Care Hospice. She was nominated by Kendra Lambert, Volunteer Services Manager, who had nothing but great things to say about Aumend.
When we arrived to surprise Aumend, she was in a meeting with a group of her peers and was totally surprised that she had received an honor from a company other than Bella Care. But, she was also very surprised that a program like the Hospice Caregiver Award exists and that it is sponsored by a funeral home. Regardless, she was absolutely delighted.
HERE IS WHAT KENDRA HAD TO SAY ABOUT AUMEND:
As a Nurse Case Manager in hospice care, one really needs to know their patient’s needs as they come to the end of their life journey. Aumend Cunningham takes the time to get to know the patient and their family members. She has a very kind and caring spirit as she meets with each patient under her care. She brings a beautiful smile during her visits with each patient and that offers them hope and support no matter how they are doing. She partnered with our Social Worker to create a Celebrate Life event for one of our patients that provided a time to take him to Mass at a local Catholic Church. This patient was elated to attend the service as he has a strong faith background. The patient talked about the service and time with our staff for the following weeks. He even blessed Aumend and our Social Worker for the time they spent with him. Although hospice care aims to provide comfort through managing pain meds and helping people to die with dignity and peace, I see Aumend going the extra mile to be present with each of her patients. Whether it is helping them with a meal, sitting holding their hand, bringing them a favorite treat, or offering presence and soft music at the bedside when the patient is actively dying, Aumend lives out her calling as a Hospice RN in these ways and many more. When a patient passes, her discharge note reflects special words of who the patient was and how much they will be missed by family and friends. I see this as bringing honor and remembrance to the patient. I am also thankful for Aumend as she checks in to see if a volunteer can make visits with her patients. This is just an added benefit for some of our patients as they do not have a lot of family support. These are just a few reasons I would like to nominate Aumend Cunningham for the Hospice Caregiver Award - she is one the best RNs on our team of many quality RNs at Bella Care Hospice.
Congratulations Aumend. You truly exemplify what it means to be a Hospice Caregiver.
If you know someone like Aumend who deserves recognition as an amazing caregiver, visit our website at https://www.thecaregivingtree.com/hospice-caregiver-award and complete the online form. It only takes a few minutes but be specific.