Caring Career Spotlight: Kathleen, RN Case Manager

For Kathleen, hospice care has never just been a job. It’s a calling shaped by years of experience, meaningful connections and a deep belief in the power of compassion at the end of life.

Kathleen has been part of the Elara Caring team for more than a decade, beginning her journey in 2012 with the Kokomo, Indiana branch as an after-hours nurse. Over the years, she has grown through several roles, supporting patients and families across surrounding communities as the organization expanded into new areas.

Her leadership experience as a clinical team manager gave her the opportunity to guide teams and support operations, but it also helped her realize where her heart truly belongs.

“I returned to case management because I missed the direct patient care aspect of hospice,” she said.

Today, Kathleen continues in her role as an RN case manager, where she not only cares for patients but also helps shape the next generation of nurses. She precepts new team members across multiple roles, including case managers, after-hours nurses, LPNs and PRN nurses, sharing her knowledge and passion for hospice care.

Kathleen’s path to hospice began long before joining Elara Caring. After five years in sub-acute care and rehab nursing, she entered hospice in 2003 with the idea that it might be a stepping stone into hospital nursing. Instead, it became her purpose.

“I found that hospice was a perfect fit for me,” she said. “My personal motivation for remaining in hospice is the fulfillment and reward I feel providing terminally ill patients with the care they deserve at end of life.”

Her approach to care is grounded in empathy, a value she holds close in every interaction.

“My philosophy follows that of Audrey Hepburn, that nothing is more important than empathy for another human being’s suffering.”

That philosophy comes to life in the moments she shares with patients and families. One experience has stayed with her and continues to shape how she views her role.

Kathleen once cared for a patient living with ALS. Years later, that same family sought her out again during another deeply difficult time.

“Two years after he passed away, his wife tracked me down, as I was now working for Elara, to care for her oldest daughter who had terminal brain cancer,” Kathleen recalled. “I was chosen by this family to care for her because of the care, compassion and bond I had developed with them.”

For Kathleen, moments like this are a powerful reminder of the impact hospice care can have, not just during one chapter, but across a family’s journey.

“That is the heartfelt memory that gives me confidence that I am doing what God has chosen for me,” she said.

It’s this unwavering commitment to compassionate care, combined with her experience and mentorship, that defines Kathleen’s work each day. Through every patient interaction and every new nurse she supports, she continues to carry forward what hospice care is truly about: dignity, connection and being present when it’s needed most.