October’s Passion Driven Employee

Every month, Healing Care Hospice recognizes an employee who aptly embodies our culture, values and mission.  This month, we are proud to announce Nadia Ochoa as this October’s Passion Driven Employee. Ochoa loves her job and she is proud of being an RN Case Manager who helps families in a crisis.

“It’s a lot for [families] to process. I hope I do a great job in providing comfort and education to guide them and help them cope with what’s happening. Someone educated and aware of what’s going on [can] better cope with different situations, so I am proud to do this work.” Said Ochoa.

Ochoa is a South Los Angeles native, and she graduated from Cal State Los Angeles with a degree in Public Health. After her undergrad education, she focused on her nursing career. She is currently pursuing her Master’s degree to become a Nurse Practitioner.

“My father was a hospice patient. The nurse that was there for him and my mom provided a lot of comfort. The hospice nurse was a backbone for my mom when it came to dealing with my dad’s illness. She was so kind she even attended my dad’s funeral. She also showed me how to use a g-tube on my father.” Said Ochoa.

By giving to others what was given to her, Ochoa demonstrates tenacity and heart. She is dedicated to this work. As an RN Case Manager, Ochoa’s responsibilities require her to have a complete picture of her patients’ needs. She works with Clinical Managers, Medical Social Workers, Spiritual Chaplains, Registered Nurses, and Home Health Aides, and coordinates the care her patients have. She needs excellent communication skills to collaborate with other disciplines and provide the best possible plan of care.

Teresa Fuentes, a Home Health Aide who works with Ochoa, enjoys working with her.

“She responds very quickly to my calls, and reassures me in everything I do. She also treats me with a lot of respect, and gives me information on what is happening. She is extremely skilled at her job, and has a lot of compassion.”  Said Fuentes.

Another colleague, Jessica Valle, who is an RN Clinical Manager, also enjoys working with Ochoa because of her dedication to providing compassionate care.

“Nadia perfectly represents the heart and soul of a nurse. Not only is she comforting to families and patients, but to our team as well, since we all know she is truly devoted to this work,” said Valle.

 If you are interested in a career as a Case Manager, Ochoa has this advice:

 “You have to have a passion for helping people, and it has to be genuine. Always show compassion and practice active listening. People need to feel the empathy and compassion; they need an ear to provide feedback.”

 Thank you, Nadia Ochoa, for your dedication to this work and all that you do to help families.