September West Oahu Hospice Hero

Amy Barroga’s outstanding work and dedication to the Islands Hospice mission makes her our September West Oahu Hospice hero. Amy is a registered nurse for Team Anela, serving patients in Ewa Beach, Makakilo and Waipahu.

Amy’s sister passed away at a fairly young age, and although Amy was off-island during her last days, she now takes comfort knowing that she is able to help others in similar situations.

Throughout her two and a half years with Islands Hospice, what she remembers most are the moments of strength and gratitude shown by the families of patients. She also sees tremendous growth from ohana and recalls a family who initially had a diffi cult time with their mother’s disease progression. After speaking with the family members at the bedside and providing active listening and education, the family expressed their gratitude to Amy for all she did to support their loved one. “That truly meant a great deal,” Amy remembered.

From collaborating with doctors and other members of the interdisciplinary team to making home visits with patients to evaluate their condition, Amy’s provides support, education, symptom and pain management, active listening, and comfort according to patients’ needs at the end of life. “To know that I am able to provide support in all ways possible, to build trust and share laughter and smiles, truly makes my heart happy,” Amy explained. She places great value on building relationships with patients, families, and caregivers.

Additionally, she recognizes the importance of cultivating bonds with her fellow coworkers, calling her Islands Hospice colleagues her “work-family.” She exclaimed, “No matter what, we are always there for one another in any way, shape, or form!”