Staff Spotlight: Charity Williams, LPN
Meet Charity Williams, LPN a dedicated and compassionate Licensed Practical Nurse at Hospice of the North Country. With a deep commitment to providing comfort and care, she plays a vital role in supporting patients and their families during life’s most challenging moments. Read on to learn more about her journey in hospice care and the impact she makes every day.
CAN YOU TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOURSELF?
I live in Constable on a hobby farm and I am happily married to the love of my life. We raised five children together and now enjoy our grandchildren as much as possible. Once the kids were grown, I felt it was my time. Since I am a natural caregiver, it made sense to move on to nursing. I received my GED in 2017 after being out of school for 28 years. When I received my CNA, tragedy struck: my oldest son of 23 died in a motorcycle accident, leaving behind his wife and baby girl. Devastated is as close a word as I can get. I thought, "Well, what can I do to keep myself busy?" I went to work for two years as a CNA in Malone. Soon I felt the urge to do more; I found myself applying for and being granted a chance to move up to Licensed Practicing Nurse. I was able to work at a nursing home, and I enjoyed working with a lot of my friends and residents as an LPN. After a couple of years, I felt burned out and I needed a change, so I looked elsewhere and found a home at Hospice of the North Country.
WHAT IS YOUR ROLE AT HOSPICE OF THE NORTH COUNTRY?
I currently work as an LPN at the Malone office; I love my job and it does not feel like work. A typical day in my role is visiting patients' homes and helping with any ADLs/bathing or even shampooing their hair. I feel it is my duty to help people through this journey to the best of my ability. I am always present and listen to my patients. I am happy that I learn something new every day.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF YOUR JOB?
My favorite part of my job is being able to help patients feel better by helping them with bathing or hair care. The most rewarding part of my job is when patients are happy to have me help with their care and to receive support during difficult times. Some of my most memorable or meaningful experiences were "spa days." Patients enjoy my visits and appreciate the care I can provide with washing, shampooing, talking, changing clothes and sheets, and even showering or buffing their nails.
WHAT’S SOMETHING YOU WISH MORE PEOPLE KNEW ABOUT HOSPICE CARE?
I wish more people knew how important family caregivers are and how much they are needed and appreciated for helping their loved ones. As nurses, our role is to provide supplemental support to the true angels of hospice care—family members.
DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE QUOTE OR MOTTO THAT INSPIRES YOU?
My favorite quote or motto that inspires me is one that I learned from a friend: “As I see you, I see myself; both in life and in death, I see.”
IF YOU COULD GIVE ONE PIECE OF ADVICE TO SOMEONE CONSIDERING A CAREER IN HOSPICE, WHAT WOULD IT BE?
The best advice I could give someone considering a career in hospice is that, at the end of the day, it's worth it. Stay strong.