More Than Nursing, A Calling to Care

A message Veronica Segura-Class, Director of Nursing – Dallas

For me, nursing has always been more than a job. I've always been drawn to it, but it wasn't until I became a mother that I truly appreciated how significant nursing can be.

Growing up in Puerto Rico, I always had an interest in nursing, although my parents encouraged me to explore other career paths. Everything changed when my first son began experiencing serious respiratory issues. By the time he was five years old, he had been hospitalized approximately 15 times.

During those tough years, I saw firsthand what it meant to have caring nurses. They did more than provide treatment. They comforted my son, answered my questions, and reassured me when everything felt uncertain.

Being on the other side of patient care showed me the difference a nurse can make not just for the patient but for the entire family. That experience strengthened my desire to become a nurse, and I've carried it into how I care for people to this day.

Finding My Purpose in Hospice Care

My connection to hospice became even more personal when my mother entered hospice care in 2015. Walking through that experience as a daughter changed my understanding of end-of-life care.

The nurses who cared for my mother helped me see that death is a natural part of life. They explained what to expect, prepared me for what was ahead, and made one of the hardest times in my life less scary.

My mother received hospice care for only a short time before she passed, and I saw how meaningful that support was, even in her final days.

One thing I wish more people understood is that hospice doesn't have to begin in someone's final days. When families choose hospice earlier, we have more opportunities to provide education, manage symptoms, build trust, and help everyone feel prepared for what lies ahead.

We may not always be able to change the course of an illness, but we can make a meaningful difference in how patients and families experience that journey.

More Than Nursing

To me, nursing is similar to teaching. It takes a special kind of person, and I truly believe it is a calling.

As nurses, we often meet people during some of the most difficult moments of their lives. Whether someone is facing a serious illness or watching a loved one decline, they rely on us for much more than medical care.

Sometimes we are nurses. Sometimes we are counselors, educators, or simply someone willing to listen.

Sometimes patients and families don't need us to have every answer. They just need someone to hear their concerns, acknowledge their feelings, and remind them that they are not alone.

That is what makes hospice nursing so meaningful to me. We aren't just treating symptoms. We care for the whole person and support the people who love them.

Leading with Empathy and Purpose

I have been part of Valor Hospice for a little over three years, and one of the things that drew me here was the family-owned environment. I appreciated the chance to join a team with open communication, accessible leadership, and people who step in when help is needed.

As the Director of Nursing for our Dallas team, I oversee our nurses and certified nursing assistants and ensure patients receive the care and support they need. My days are often busy, but one of the most important parts of my role is simply being there for my team.

I want every nurse and aide to know they can come to me with questions, concerns, or frustrations. Sometimes they need help finding a solution; other times, they just need someone to listen.

When I think about what makes a great hospice nurse, three qualities stand out: empathy, flexibility, and pride in your work.

Hospice care can be unpredictable, and plans can change in an instant. Having a team that is willing to adapt, support one another, and always put patients first makes all the difference.

The Moments That Stay With Us

Throughout my nursing career, countless experiences have reminded me why I chose this profession.

One that has stayed with me involved a hospice patient whose daughter was expecting her first child. The patient was holding on to the hope of meeting her first grandchild.

When the baby arrived prematurely during the COVID-19 pandemic, bringing the family together became especially difficult. Thankfully, with the help of the healthcare team, the grandmother was able to meet her grandchild before she passed.

Although the family experienced tremendous loss in the days that followed, I still keep in touch with the daughter, who remains grateful that her mother was able to experience that meaningful moment.

Experiences like this remind me that hospice nursing isn't always about adding more days to someone's life. Sometimes it's about making their days as meaningful as possible.

A Calling That Goes Beyond Care

Being a nurse has taught me that some of the most meaningful things we offer cannot be measured through medical treatment alone.

It's the reassurance we give a worried family member, the time we take to listen, and the comfort we provide during life's most difficult moments.

At Valor Hospice, I am proud to lead a team that cares for patients as individuals and supports their families with empathy and understanding.

Nursing is more than a profession. It is a calling to serve others when they need us most, to lead with empathy, and to make every moment of care matter.

And for me, that is what makes being a hospice nurse so special.