Ohio’s Hospice Nurse Turns Family Experience into 20-Year Mission
Two decades of compassionate service began with a personal connection for Rhonda Dunlevy, who marked 20 years with Ohio’s Hospice in April 2024. Her journey into hospice care started after experiencing the organization’s care firsthand when her grandmother was a patient.
“The care my grandma received her last week of life from Ohio’s Hospice was exceptional and I wanted to be there for someone else’s grandmother or loved one like they were for mine,” Dunlevy said.
“I was working as a nurse at Friendship Village when the hospice nurse there finally wore me down asking me to come to Ohio’s Hospice,” Dunlevy said. “Her name was Tonya Kuntz. I had always wanted to be a hospice nurse after my grandma passed away with hospice services.”
Patients and families have recognized Dunlevy’s dedication to superior care. A patient-nominated DAISY Award® demonstrating her impact on those she serves. “I received the Daisy Award … that was a highlight for me,” she said.
Dunlevy has found comfort in working for a team that has been there to bring out the best in her.
“My boss, Carol Wasyk, believed in me and pushed me to further my education by going back to school for my RN,” she said. “Working as a crisis care nurse was also a memorable time for me. I loved and still love patient care at the bedside.”
Dunlevy has worked with 3 different teams at Ohio’s Hospice. She has stayed passionate about her work wherever she has served.
“I started out with Hospice of Dayton, where I was for 15 years, then transferred to Hospice in Springfield and now I am in the Troy facility,” Dunlevy said. “Hospice is my passion, and I have thoroughly loved working with people that share my passion.”
Dunlevy’s experience includes working as LPN in Crisis Care, on call, and home care. She now serves as a RN Care Manager.
She is proud to be on the Ohio’ Hospice team and truly loves her work.
“Working with patients from all walks of life. Making them smile and laugh despite them being at the end of their lives,” Dunlevy said. “My hospice journey has taught me life is short and to live it to the fullest!”
As Dunlevy celebrates this milestone, her commitment to compassionate care continues to exemplify the values that make Ohio’s Hospice a world-class organization. Her story demonstrates the organization’s dedication to servant leadership, kindness, honesty and compassion in supporting both patients and team members.
