Nurse reflects on ‘the sacred work we do’

Arizona Nursing News
April 2026
by Lin Sue Flood

Kathleen Lewis was an intensive care unit nurse when she found her calling as a hospice nurse 19 years ago.

“When I take my badge off at the end of the day, I can say that I’ve made a difference for someone,” she says. “Maybe it’s bringing them a chocolate shake they’ve been craving. Maybe they look at you and say, ‘I’m finally pain-free.’ That’s what feeds my soul.”

Over the years, she’s come to appreciate the wisdom she’s gained from her patients — life lessons. “I remember a patient asking me, ‘Have you reached out to your best friend today to tell her how much she means to you?’ That stuck with me.”

Throughout her day, Kathleen is guided by two words: “compassion” and “presence.”

“This is such sacred work we do, being invited into someone’s home and joining the journey alongside them. One of my most powerful visits was sitting at a patient’s bedside and holding her hand for an hour and a half. That time with her was a beautiful gift to her, but also a gift to me.”