Our care ambassadors are those employees who uphold Hospice of Southern Illinois’ standard for excellent hospice care and service by going above and beyond for patients, families, team members, or the community.
Care Ambassador
Sharon Hipskind
We welcomed Sharon Hipskind, RN Patient Care Supervisor, in 2010 to Hospice of Southern Illinois. Today we recognize Sharon’s 6 years of dedication to us. Sharon manages several talented nurses. She offers her experience, knowledge and leadership to ensure our nurses are efficient, proficient and compassionate. With a strong nursing background, Sharon brings stability and consistency to her team. What she loves most and thrives at is connecting patients, their families and her co-workers. “Working in hospice, we help patients and families maintain their choices, dignity and comfort during the end of life. Hospice is an emotional and rewarding field of nursing.”
Sharon leaves us with, “Every day brings new choices,” by Martha Beck. At Hospice of Southern Illinois, Sharon is a problem solver, guide and friendly face who puts a positive spin on those “new choices” as her day is always changing. She upholds our mission and our patient’s dignity each day by staying positive and thinking about the bigger picture.
JoAnn Van Winkle
Growing up in a small town, JoAnn Van Winkle, Patient Account Specialist for Hospice of Southern Illinois’ Accounting Department, has always appreciated that we help everyone in need within our 27 counties. “We are fortunate to have the opportunity to assist those in need.” She has been with us for 2 years now. Time has flown! We appreciate her expertise and knowledge with over 25 years of experience in the medical field.
At Hospice of Southern Illinois, Jo Ann enjoys the billing side of hospice care and the many different aspects of her position. She adds, “There is such variety in my job, I actually like everything.” She is an asset to our administrative staff, supporting the mission through her behind-the-scenes work that not many get to see. It’s the behind-the-scenes work that is so important to uphold our high ethical standards and continue our mission, to enhance the quality of life for individuals and their loved ones touched by a terminal illness. Speaking of standards, two of her favorite quotes confirm why we are lucky to have her a part of our team. She shared, “There is no ‘I’ in team,” by Michael Jordan, “Never forget the responsibility you have over the words you speak,” by Steven Aitcheison, and “You have the power to hurt, to heal, to open minds, open hearts and change the world,” by Steven Aitchison. Thank you, JoAnn, for your positive attitude, behind-the-scenes work, and contributions to our mission.
Jane Gazda
“Never put off till tomorrow, what can be done today.” – Thomas Jefferson
Jane Gazda, RN, BSN, clinical nurse case manager for Hospice of Southern Illinois, chose hospice care 18 years ago because she saw it as a challenge in the nursing field. “I saw how hospice encompassed not only the many types of pain and symptom care for all terminal illnesses, but offered support to the families through the counseling and bereavement services. The part of hospice I like the most is seeing the patient with the utmost comfort, and knowing what is tried and works for comfort control makes the patient feel better for as long as possible.” Jane’s years of experience, her peaceful demeanor and the focus to be an advocate for patients and families who need end-of-life care are just three of many qualities that set Jane’s skillset apart. Those who have received her care send praises and appreciation that validate her passion for hospice care and the respect she has earned to receive this recognition. We are so honored to have her as an employee and part of our hospice mission!
“The places in the community that I love the most are long-term care facility patients and also the home patients. The long-term care facility coordinates with the staff and families and hospice for comfort care. The home patients are given direct care also with their comfort a priority, and working with their families to embrace and empower goals.” Jane believes future employees of Hospice of Southern Illinois are in good hands of our Regulatory Compliance Education Department. Two of her co-workers, previously and long-time field nurses with her, have recently joined that department: Diane Voss, RN and Julie Bartels, RN. As long as prospective employees are compassionate and caring, and willing to go the mile for patients and families, they will be an asset to Hospice of Southern Illinois. {Jane photographed below between 2 team members. L to R: Rachel Huelsmann, Jane Gazda, Joy Reker}
