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Former Engineer Finds Fulfillment as RN Caring for People at the End of Life 

Although Oya Celik, RN, BSN, CHPN, occasionally finds herself wondering what her life would have been like if she continued working as an engineer, there is no doubt in her mind that nursing is her true life’s calling.

“I have a deep passion for helping others and making a positive impact in their lives. Nursing allows me to provide support and care to patients and their families during their most challenging times,” said Oya.

After moving from Turkey to the United States with plans to enter a PhD program in engineering, she pivoted to fulfilling the prerequisites needed for nursing school, obtained a bachelor’s of science in nursing, and began her new career five years ago at a skilled nursing facility.

At the time, an uncle living in Turkey was facing a terminal cancer diagnosis, and the family was trying to keep him alive at all costs. Oya remembered her uncle suffering, but cultural differences and lower awareness of the benefits of hospice care in the area were significant barriers to a more peaceful end-of-life journey.

Her uncle’s situation stood in stark contrast to what she witnessed at the skilled nursing facility. Terminally ill patients had access to hospice care focused on the individual’s comfort, dignity, and quality of life.

“When people are in those final stages of serious illnesses, it brings up physical, emotional, and psychological challenges,” said Oya. Her enormous empathy for these patients and desire to provide care and comfort during this difficult time prompted her to specialize in hospice care. She joined VNA Care two years ago as a Hospice RN Case Manager, providing one-on-one care to terminally ill patients and supporting families during their last months together.

Oya is honored to be welcomed into patients’ homes and families’ lives. In each interaction, she strives to be fully present and “create a warm and supportive environment where people feel respected.” Meeting the wide-ranging needs of patients and loved ones at the end of life is a team effort, and Oya works closely with the hospice team’s other nurses, physicians, nurse practitioners, social workers, spiritual counselors, bereavement counselors, hospice aides, and trained volunteers to provide the best possible care.

Among the many patients and families who have made an impact on Oya was a man with Parkinson’s who was nonverbal. While the patient’s family was dedicated to his care, it was difficult for them to accept the changes in their loved one and adapt accordingly, like not feeding him when he was no longer able to safely swallow. Oya focused on educating and supporting the family through each and every change, and worked closely with the family’s trusted primary care doctor on medication changes that would control his pain and symptoms. Oya enlisted the hospice team’s spiritual counselor and social worker to have important conversations with the family as they grappled with the idea of losing their beloved husband and father. Through the team’s attentive care and support, the patient’s last days were comfortable and the entire family was at peace.

Oya also has the privilege of taking part in milestone celebrations in patients’ lives. One of her patients, a military veteran, celebrated his 100th birthday while under her care. She and a social worker organized a combination birthday party and pinning ceremony to honor his service. His entire family gathered and cheered as he blew out the candles. Oya presented the patient with an American flag pin and patriotic quilt as part of the We Honor Veterans program, a national initiative in which VNA Care takes part to elevate end-of-life care for our country’s veterans and their families. As a patriotic march played, the patient “marched along” while sitting in a chair to set a good example for his great-grandchildren. “That was a very emotional moment for me,” remembered Oya.

Those in her care often make her feel like she’s part of the family. “They trust you, and feel comfortable in your presence,” she said. “I find it very fulfilling to be able to offer the comfort, empathy, and professional care to those who are in need. It’s an opportunity to make a difference in people’s lives. This is what drives me.”