034: A Sit-Down With Hospice Nurse Penny

We’ve all heard about hospice care at some point or another. It’s often perceived as the grim, last stop for patients with terminal illnesses. But is it really as bleak as it’s painted? Are we missing a significant perspective that could shift our understanding of hospice care from one of fear and dread to one of respect, dignity, and even hope? Today, we seek to address this issue and provide a fresh perspective with our special guest, hospice nurse Penny Smith.

Nurse Penny Smith is a beacon of compassion, hope, and dedication in the field of hospice care. With her unique blend of warmth, understanding, and professional expertise, she has positively impacted the lives of countless patients and their families. Her commitment to debunking myths and spreading awareness about hospice care has even taken her to the digital platform of TikTok, where she educates and inspires thousands daily.

In this episode, you will learn:

• The ultimate goal of hospice care: enhancing the quality of life for as long as possible
• The difference between common misconceptions about hospice care and the reality
• The complexities of informed consent in the treatment process
• The role of chaplaincy during end-of-life care
• The impact of death on individuals and their loved ones
• The significant role insurance plays in covering hospice care
• The power of self-referrals in hospice care
• The comfort and counterintuitive nature of end-of-life visions

More about Penny:

Penny Smith is a nationally certified Hospice and palliative care nurse with over 17 years of experience in a variety of hospice settings. As a passionate advocate for end of life education and normalizing death and dying, she found her way to social media where she now has over a million followers across her platforms as Hospice Nurse Penny.