In October, Jane Foster, RN, accepted North Carolinas top hospice clinical services award at a ceremony that honored hospice workers in the two Carolinas.&bsp; The Sharon O. Dixon Award recognizes excellent clinical care in a hospice in North Carolina, and this years judges said that of all the exceptional nominees, Jane Foster was an incomparable standout.

Foster was honored for exemplifying what it means to be a hospice nurse at Hospice of the Carolina Foothills for 19 plus years. As one colleague puts it, Jane has the gift of hospice in her heart. Helping hospice patients and families find comfort and peace, on their own terms, is what Foster is all about.

The judges said Foster sees the person as a whole person, not just someone with an illness, and is creative in finding ways to meet their needs. She listens and observes so she can learn what quality of life means to each individual she serves.

Her clinical skills are utilized to get symptoms under control, to teach the family about caregiving, and to answer all questions. She is committed to interdisciplinary teamwork, valuing each and every member of the team in the realization of the patient and familys goals. She also understands the importance of building strong relationships with community partners, and is highly respected by the local nursing homes, physicians, and hospital.

Over the last two decades, Foster has understood the need for change and growth as Hospice of the Carolina Foothills has expanded its services to include a Palliative Care Program and a Hospice House. Foster has consistently supported and cared for her patients and families, her teammates and the organization.

She has been, and remains, an example of excellence in hospice clinical care: the blend of quality patient care, clinical skill, creativity and commitment to teamwork. As a family she served so succinctly put it, Having her as our nurse was a privilege.

Foster responds that it is a privilege for her to do the work she has done for nearly two decades. I do nothing by myself, says Foster, but am always working with my hospice teammates staff and volunteers and with our good physicians and nursing homes to provide the very best quality-of-life care to patients and their families. The best care is what we all deserve, and it is what Hospice of the Carolina Foothills prides itself in giving.