Lakeport >> Two nurses, a therapist and an administrator at Hospice Services of Lake County have earned new certifications that strengthen the support services that Hospice currently offers to the community.
Jonathan Speak, RN, CHPN and Carolyn Dabney, RN, CHPN have earned the distinctive Certified Hospice and Palliative Nurse (CHPN) certification. This certification attests that the nurse has completed a rigorous course of study, training and clinical experience specializing in treating patients dealing with end of life issues in a setting typically outside of the hospital. Pain is a major issue with the dying patient, and the CHPN nurse must have superior knowledge of pain management to earn the certification.
Linda Laing, LMFT, ATR, manager of bereavement services at Hospice, has recently completed an extensive, multi-year training to earn the “Death & Grief Studies” certificate through the internationally recognized Center for Loss and Life Transition. Laing provides bereavement counseling for hospice patients and their families and oversees all community bereavement programs that include grief groups for adults, grief groups in Lake County schools for students who are suffering from loss, and the popular Wings of Hope camps for children and families, now in its 18th year. This program is primarily funded by the Hospice thrift stores and the generosity of the Redbud Health Care District and private donations.
Laura Sammel, director of administration, earned the Professional in Human Resources (PHR) certification. Sammel qualified for this prestigious certification through her years as a human resources professional accompanied by demonstrated mastery of HR practices and laws. Sammel’s certification will ensure that Hospice Services of Lake County is even better positioned to serve employees and remain one of Lake County’s employers of choice.
“We are proud to have such dedicated staff who take the initiative to improve their knowledge and skills,” stated Corrigan Gommenginger, Executive Director. “People of this caliber are who make it possible for Hospice to bring the most up to date and best care to our patients and families. And that’s what makes everything worthwhile.”
Christine Hutt is the director of community relations at Hospice Services of Lake County.
