September 2026 Honoree
Julie Rice, RN
I would like to recognize our hospice liaison, Julie Rice, and our new Chaplain for the extraordinary care, compassion, and presence they show to our patients every day.
Last week, a patient was life‑flighted from Nevada. He arrived intubated and unresponsive with very little information available. With the help of local police and the sheriff’s department in Nevada, we were able to locate and connect with his family. We learned that he had been estranged from his brother and sister for some years.
After multiple days on the ventilator with no clinical improvement, the family made the decision to transition him to comfort care. I submitted a referral for GIP hospice and reached out to our chaplain for spiritual support. Julie took the time to speak with the family and learned that the patient was a musician. She was able to obtain a recording of him singing and playing the guitar. The Chaplain also connected with the family and thoughtfully honored their Episcopalian faith by providing a vigil with prayers from the Book of Common Prayer.
The patient was referred to our No One Dies Alone program; however, a volunteer was not available until later that evening. I was incredibly moved and inspired when both caregivers chose to step in themselves, ensuring that this patient did not have to be alone at the end of his life. Julie played the recording of the patient’s own music at his bedside, offering comfort, dignity, and familiarity during his final moments.
Later, the patient’s sister called me personally to express her deep gratitude for the care and compassion her brother received. I am profoundly grateful to work alongside Julie and to partner with colleagues who consistently show up for our most vulnerable patients with such humanity and heart. Their actions ensured this patient died surrounded by comfort.
Last week, a patient was life‑flighted from Nevada. He arrived intubated and unresponsive with very little information available. With the help of local police and the sheriff’s department in Nevada, we were able to locate and connect with his family. We learned that he had been estranged from his brother and sister for some years.
After multiple days on the ventilator with no clinical improvement, the family made the decision to transition him to comfort care. I submitted a referral for GIP hospice and reached out to our chaplain for spiritual support. Julie took the time to speak with the family and learned that the patient was a musician. She was able to obtain a recording of him singing and playing the guitar. The Chaplain also connected with the family and thoughtfully honored their Episcopalian faith by providing a vigil with prayers from the Book of Common Prayer.
The patient was referred to our No One Dies Alone program; however, a volunteer was not available until later that evening. I was incredibly moved and inspired when both caregivers chose to step in themselves, ensuring that this patient did not have to be alone at the end of his life. Julie played the recording of the patient’s own music at his bedside, offering comfort, dignity, and familiarity during his final moments.
Later, the patient’s sister called me personally to express her deep gratitude for the care and compassion her brother received. I am profoundly grateful to work alongside Julie and to partner with colleagues who consistently show up for our most vulnerable patients with such humanity and heart. Their actions ensured this patient died surrounded by comfort.
Thank you, Julie, for your exceptional compassion, advocacy, and dedication to your patients. You truly make a difference.
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