Since she was in kindergarten, Susan Siefring has known she wanted to be a nurse and make a difference in the lives of others.  

“From the time I was very little, I always wanted to provide comfort and care to others,” said Siefring, a team leader at Ohio’s Hospice Loving Care. “That translated into what I do today and is truly part of me.” 

Siefring started her nursing career as a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) nurse where she witnessed the beginning of life. She then transitioned to a role as a case manager with Ohio’s Hospice Loving Care where she feels the honor of preparing patients and families for the end of life and providing support.  

“I tell my kids that if you can make a difference in someone’s life, then it was a good day. Fortunately, in all of my days with hospice, I can do that,” Siefring said. “Every patient is worthy of excellent care no matter their financial status, race or religion. Each patient deserves respect. Sometimes patients don’t know that people care, and I let every patient know that I care. That little extra step makes a world of difference. Seeing a patient smile makes my heart happy.”  

Earlier this spring, Siefring went above and beyond to provide superior care and superior services to a patient on Easter Sunday. During a visit earlier in the week, Siefring learned that the patient would be home alone on the holiday but planned to dress up to celebrate and enjoy the day, nonetheless.  

“I’ve known the patient a little over 10 years. Her husband was a patient then, and now she is a patient,” Siefring said. “It broke my heart that she was going to be alone for the holiday. So, on Easter, I called her and said I was coming to visit. I brought her a full meal and dessert and visited with her for an hour while she ate. It meant so much to her, and it meant a lot to me.”  

Ohio’s Hospice Loving Care is grateful to nurses like Siefring who go above and beyond to make a difference in the lives of patients and families. 

Ohio’s Hospice Loving Care is an affiliate of Ohio’s Hospice. Based in Marysville, Ohio’s Hospice Loving Care began in 1993 as a grass-roots organization to provide hospice services to patients and their families in Union and Madison counties. The not-for-profit hospice helps patients to live with dignity, comfort and control by establishing goals for a better quality of life. The hospice team serves patients wherever the patient calls home, involving patients and family in choices and decisions.