Denise Weinman celebrated her 4th year at Hospice of Southern Illinois this past February, currently working as a Hospice Aide. Denise chose hospice care because she enjoys taking care of people. She does just that, exceptionally well. She is constantly putting forth selfless efforts to make sure our patients are well taken care of and living the highest quality of life they can. On top of all of her duties and tasks, she states that meeting and learning the different stories of each patient’s past is the part she loves the most. Companionship is such an essential part of what she does. It is no wonder Denise is such an asset to our company and each patient’s health.
Hospice of Southern Illinois cares about everyone associated with our company. We, therefore, like to learn about each member of our staff, where they like to go, and what they like to do in the area of the 27 different counties that we serve. “The location I love most is Downtown Belleville, especially Art on the Square. I am not artistic but I have a great appreciation for art. There is always something going on and plenty of things to do.”
Denise’s source of inspiration is appropriately quoted by Vincent Van Gogh, “It is good to love many things, for therein lies true strength, and whosoever loves much performs much, and can accomplish much, and what is done in love is well done.” Denise, your hard work and consistent care does not go unnoticed. Hospice of Southern Illinois thanks you!
Nikki Muenchau, Regulatory Compliance Education Manager, has spent the last decade working towards Hospice of Southern Illinois’ mission, to enhance the quality of life for individuals and their loved ones touched by a terminal illness. “Nearly my entire nursing career, 15 years of it, has been spent providing end-of-life care. I didn’t have a prior experience with hospice that led me to it. Once I started providing that type of specialized care, I knew I didn’t want to do any other type of nursing care. Hospice nursing has given me more gifts and life lessons over the years than anything I could have ever given to my patients and families. I am fortunate to have had the trust of so many people facing the end-of-life. They allowed me to walk with them during their journey and to ensure their comfort and dignity during one of the most vulnerable times in their lives.”
Working her way from Hospice Nurse when she first started, to the Regulatory Compliance Education Manager today, Nikki enjoys sharing her own nursing and end-of-life experiences with current and new employees. While we always are sad to see our nurses “leave the field” for a managerial position, we had to lift Nikki up and cheer her on. It was impossible not to have her lead the future nurses of our organization, because of her years of experience, dedication to end-of-life nursing care, and passion for helping others in the workplace. She is a great leader. Our care for our patients is always getting better because we have bits of Nikki’s special experience and passion sprinkled throughout our 
wonderful team who cares for our patients today. Nikki’s dedication and passion for Hospice of Southern Illinois, our patients and your team are beyond appreciated and noticed!
Nikki is an asset at Hospice of Southern Illinois not only for her expertise and role in our organization, but also her outlook on the day which keeps us all smiling in a line of work that can be emotional. She incorporates humor and laughter in each and every day. “I try to brighten one person’s day with a small act of kindness or generosity. The world needs more laughter and kindness.” When you miss Nikki in the office helping out her fellow nurses and administrative staff, you can find her spending time with her family, boating in the summer or on a vacation, laughing and enjoying the sun!
