In this deeply personal and resonant episode, longtime hospice nurse and podcast host of The Heart of Hospice, Helen Bauer, BSN RN CHPN®, shares an intimate look at the soul of hospice nursing — the part that’s rarely documented but always deeply felt. With more than seven years behind the mic and a career alongside patients and families at the bedside, Helen reflects on the intimacy and intensity of hospice care, and the challenges of translating those sacred moments into clinical notes and checkboxes. 

Together, we explore the personhood-centered mindset that defines exceptional hospice nursing: arriving as a blank slate, open and eager to learn who the patient is, then crafting care that honors the individual’s story, values, and needs. Helen speaks candidly about the emotional toll of the work, the cumulative grief nurses carry, and the resilience it takes to keep showing up — not just for patients, but for ourselves. 

Listeners will hear reflections on: 

This episode is a tribute to hospice nurses everywhere — a reminder that your work matters, your presence is powerful, and you are just as important as the care you provide. 

Whether you're a hospice nurse, a health care professional, or a family member navigating end-of-life care, this episode will speak to the heart of what it means to accompany someone at life’s end — with compassion, courage, and creativity. 

Helen Bauer, BSN RN CHPN® 

As the founder of Hospice Navigation Services, Helen provides unbiased, expert guidance and support for individuals and families navigating the complexities of hospice and serious illness. Her work as an End of Life Educator and Advocate focuses on empowering caregivers and hospice workers, ensuring that those facing serious illness experience the best possible care at the end of life. Known for her compassion, empathy, and respect, she remains a trusted resource in the field of hospice care. 

Brett Snodgrass, DNP, FNP-C, ACHPN®, FAANP