Walking So Many Home
- Angelic Health Palliative and Hospice Care
- Jul 8
- 2 min read
Tammi Cooper did not plan on a career in nursing, but after taking a job as a unit clerk on the Cancer Care Unit at Millville Hospital in New Jersey she knew that was what she wanted to do with her life. " I went to work at the hospital with no intention of being a nurse," she recalls," but working alongside the nurses on that floor I felt like I wanted to be a nurse." As an employee, she was eligible for a nursing scholarship and thus began a career that would lead her to hospice care,
When she graduated from the RN program at Cumberland County College NJ program in 1993, she continued to work on that floor as a nurse, taking care of cancer patients getting treatment as well as those whose treatment was not successful.
At that time, hospice care was a new program, and many patients came back to the hospitals to spend their final days. “As much as I loved caring for all my patients, I found it more rewarding to prepare patients and families for what would come,” recalled Cooper, “I found I was better able to comfort and educate my patients and their families. I formed relationships with patients who started with treatment but ultimately transitioned to end of life care. I knew I couldn't cure anyone, but I could care for them.”
As hospice care developed as a program it moved out of the hospital setting and into the home. It was 2009 when Cooper decided to leave bedside nursing care in the cancer unit and focus her professional skill and talent on end-of-life care. “It turned out to be the best career move I have ever made, “she said. “I loved going out into the community and caring for people and providing that end-of-life education and support.” While no longer able to physically perform hands-on care, she continues to make a difference as patient care manager, using her years of experience to assist staff in the field through coaching and support. “I now feel the best way for me to contribute to hospice care is to act as a supportive leader for staff."
During off hours the Vineland NJ resident enjoys playing Bingo with her mother and spending time with friends, her husband, dog Gypsy and cat Ellie.
She quotes spiritual leader Ram Dass who said: “We are all walking each other home.” as she sums up her passion both professionally and personally, adding with a kind smile, “I feel honored that I have been able to walk so many wonderful people home.”
Angelic Health provides exceptional hospice care, personalized to meet the unique needs of every patient and supportive services for their loved ones. To learn more, visit www.angelic.health or call us anytime toll free at 844-948-0645.
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