A Q&A With Amy Dames: Cortland's Newest Hospicare Primary Nurse

Amy Dames, RN, joined the clinical staff at Hospicare & Palliative Care in March. We recently asked her some questions to discover more about what brought her here and what she brings to the work.

Q. Where did you grow up and do your schooling?

I grew up on the west coast in Clovis, California. I have a Bachelor of Science in nursing from California State University at Fresno, Go Bulldogs!

Q. Most recently, you were an ER nurse in Guthrie Cortland Medical Center, from 2016 until earlier this year. What inspired you to join Hospicare as our primary Cortland County nurse?

There are few moments that stick with us as much as death. Birth, weddings, and unexpected injury come to mind as pivotal moments in human existence. People can recall what they were doing when they get a cancer diagnosis, or a child is born. Something that separates the before and after. My goal in becoming a hospice nurse is to make that an easier, and less scary prospect for people, addressing the fears and complaints that can be addressed and holding time and space for people to feel the entire spectrum of human emotion.

Q. Do you have a favorite memory that best illustrates the relationship between a hospice nurse and an in-home patient and their caregivers?

It has been very humbling for the 4 months I have been at hospice the amount of care takers and loved ones that have stated how positively we affect their lives. We spend hours and hours with people, and I love getting to the heart of what is important to every individual patient.

Q. You are a wife and mother of two. How does that experience inform your work as a hospice nurse?

Hospice aligns nicely with putting people's values first. I very much value my family, and this helps me to put things in perspective for how I would want my own family to be treated in times of stress.

Q. What's one thing you wish more people understood about hospice?

I often hear, "Gosh, isn't it so sad to work in hospice?" but truly having a dedicated team meeting people's needs is wonderful. To me, failures in the healthcare system are sad, people waiting in hospital rooms for hours, frequent blood draws, constant changing of medications that sometimes make people feel worse. All of that has its place, but I think in our one beautiful life we should be able to pick our hard. 

Q. What's one thing you wish more people understood about the end-of-life chapters?

It is lovely to have the time to reminisce about collective memories, the amount of laughter about vacations gone wrong, or when families show up for one another. It is truly special to hold someone's hand and wish them well as they prepare for their departure from this earthly plane.

Q. What do you do to unwind and recharge?

I am an avid reader. I am always reading at least two books at a time (usually more). I love to take some time outside, drink coffee on a patio, and I love to make my kids laugh.