It has been a privilege for Terri Knopp to be a teammate at Ohio’s Hospice for 25 years. Her career has been stamped by her desire to provide superior care and superior services to the patients and families she has served. 

When Knopp graduated from nursing school, her first job was at a local hospital. She observed hospice nurses visiting patients on her floor, meeting with families, and initiating hospice care. 

“I was impressed with the amount of compassion and knowledge these nurses showed,” Knopp says. “I knew early on that I wanted to be a hospice nurse so I could provide that same care.”  

Her first position at Ohio’s Hospice was in the inpatient unit in Dayton. She was a PRN (as needed nurse or healthcare worker) and only worked there for a short time before becoming an admissions nurse.  

“I eventually transitioned to the position of Hospital Liaison at Miami Valley Hospital, where I worked for many years,” Knopp said. “After I left the hospital, I became a CTC (Care Team Coordinator) and then moved on to the Quality Department, where I’ve been for approximately four years.” 

She added that there have been many memorable times while working at Ohio’s Hospice but the most memorable moments that stand out are the patients and families that welcomed her into their homes and allowed her to care for them.  

“I felt it was a humbling experience to be invited in, listen to their stories, and gain their trust to take care of them or their family member,” Knopp said. 

The team members she has worked with over the years also have left a lasting impact on her. She says knowing that a symptom would be better controlled before the case manager made their first visit was also very important to her. 

“Starting with our medical directors who taught me so much about hospice care. I was blessed to be able to work with some of the best physicians around like Dr. Sherman, Dr. Cass, Dr. Schmitz, and Dr. Thomson to name a few,” Knopp said. “The most fulfillment I have received while working at Ohio’s Hospice was identifying an immediate need a new patient had and being able to meet that need before I moved on to see the next patient.”  

Knopp says it has been a privilege to work at Ohio’s Hospice over the years, and although many things have changed, the dedication and compassion provided to our patients hasn’t. 

“I heard a nurse say once that she, ‘stands on the shoulder of giants.’ I can’t think of any truer quote than this one to describe the co-workers I have had the opportunity to work with,” Knopp said.

Knopp’s 25-year commitment to Celebrating Life’s Stories® exemplifies the dedication of Ohio’s Hospice staff to providing superior care and superior services to each patient and family we have the privilege of serving.