Meet Hospice Aide Rachel Lockett

Throughout CNA Week, we'll be introducing you to just a few of the many dedicated and compassionate hospice aides who care for our patients. CNAs are also called HHAs, STNAs and hospice aides. Today, meet Rachel Lockett from our Lenexa, Kansas office.

Tell us about yourself.

I’m a single mother of 2 boys. My life consists of working and taking care of my kids. I’ve worked 11 years as a CNA and three years with Crossroads. I have a good schedule with Crossroads, so everything mixes well.

What made you decide to pursue a career as a hospice aide?

My mom is an RN so that motivated me the most. But I’ve always had a gift to help people, all people but elderly people have always been special to me, so I knew healthcare is where I needed to be.

Once I came across Crossroads, I’ve been here ever since. It’s nice to be there towards end of life where you can bring light to a situation that may be dark for other people.

Can you tell us about a patient that made an impact on you?

You run into a lot of people in hospice. One year ago, there was a patient, and I loved her like she was my own grandmom. It’s so hard when you meet a person and have a good relationship. That one got to me.

What do you wish more people knew about hospice?

The first thing people think is that hospice is the end. I educate a lot so people understand that hospice isn’t bad, it’s actually a helping hand. I try to see why people don’t like it, what they’ve heard and what their experience has been, then show how it’s really just more help for you during this time.

People have this stigma that hospice kills, I want people to know that hospice is actually helping hand. We provide comfort. We provide care. We fix medications when they need to be adjusted. We’re not against you, we’re for you. I wish they knew the more compassionate side of hospice.

Hospice is a reflection of me because I’m so compassionate and caring. I love people. And I love being there to help them in their time of need.