When Debbie Meadows’ youngest child was a year old, she started looking for a nursing opportunity that offered a better work-life balance. She joined Ohio’s Hospice, which at that time, was known as Hospice of Wayne County, as an after-hours on-call nurse. Now, 25 years later, Debbie serves as vice president of clinical care at Ohio’s Hospice in northeast Ohio.  

One of the first patients she cared for was an infant and their family. “Supporting this baby and her family and working with the care team challenged me professionally and personally,” Debbie said. “It helped me recognize the uniqueness of hospice care, how the care team works together 24 hours a day, and how we support everyone in the entire family.” 

She was touched by the experience and realized that she had found that hospice was a perfect career fit for her. “Moving to the hospice healthcare field, where patients and families get to determine what their wishes and goals are, is a beautiful experience,” she said.  

Throughout the years, she has had so many memorable patients and families. “It’s still a delight to me today when I encounter a family member of a patient out in the community of someone I served more than 10 years ago,” she said.  

As the not-for-profit hospice organization grew and Debbie’s daughter grew, she moved into a care management position, followed by an education nurse role. From that position, she served in a patient care coordinator role. When the organization become part of Ohio’s Hospice, Debbie moved into the director of clinical services role and then into her current role as vice president of clinical care.  

“In my current position, I have the privilege of supporting our clinical team members as we help them support our patients and families,” Debbie said. “While I don’t often get to directly see patients, hearing the amazing work of the team and supporting them in our mission brings great meaning to my life.” 

The hospice model emphasizes the team approach, and she sees that across all departments, not only in bedside care delivery.  

“Working as part of a team has been one of my favorite parts of being part of this organization across the many roles I have had,” she said. “Working in a not-for-profit hospice organization like Ohio’s Hospice reinforces for me what most of us value in our own personal lives.” 

Patients and their families are encouraged to take charge of their end-of-life journey, when previously they may have felt they had little control. “We provide a framework for our patients with a care team model that prioritizes individuality,” Debbie said. “We help our patients and families access the care and services that fit their needs and personal goals.”  

Debbie highly recommends a career with Ohio’s Hospice. “There are no limits to the opportunities that are available for someone who joins the Ohio’s Hospice team,” she said. “This has been a great organization with which to learn and grow.”