RN case manager at VITAS Healthcare in Mount Dora

Jennifer always had a caregiver’s personality.

The middle child of three routinely looked after her little sister while growing up. Jennifer also watched her mother serve as children’s director at their church and that desire to make a difference resonated with her. 

“I’ve always felt like my calling is to help other people,” says Jennifer, a 2017 Tavares High School graduate who attended Rasmussen University and became an RN in the fall of 2023.

“I got a job right out of nursing school in the ICU unit. I saw a lot of difficult situations and felt like I wanted to make a difference in end-of-life care,” says Jennifer, 26.

Her decision was also influenced by the remarkable care provided during the passing of several family members.

“My husband, Julius’ father and both his grandmothers all passed in a one-year span,” Jennifer says. “The care that was provided to them was wonderful, and that made my heart want to do this work.”

She became a hospice nurse as a result. This March marked one year for Jennifer working as an RN case manager at VITAS Healthcare in Mount Dora.

“We help patients with symptom management at end of life,” Jennifer says. “Not only do I get to help the patient who is dying, but also their family.

“As hospice nurses, we need to have a loving and respectful way to help family members grasp the concept of what’s happening to their loved one.” 

Jennifer and Julius have a 2-year-old son, River, and she’s pregnant with their second son, whom they’ve already named Charley after Julius’ father who passed in late January.

“Weekends are all about family, and I love being home with my kids, but I also love taking care of others,” Jennifer says. “Our family has a great support system that enables me to do this work I love.”