Janelle Pouesi, LPN

Born and raised in American Samoa, Janelle Pouesi, LPN, was inspired to pursue a career in health care based on her culture and upbringing.

“In Samoan culture, it is a must to take care of our parents and grandparents and be humble, kind and respectful to others, especially elders,” she said.

She worked as a licensed practical nurse in the emergency department, NICU and at a skilled nursing facility, and eventually found her calling in hospice care.

Janelle is also guided by the memory of her father, whom she lost last year. “In my last conversation before he passed away, he said, ‘Carry your Samoan culture everywhere and respect everyone no matter what background they’re from,’” she recalled. “This is what I take to work every day.”

As a DCSA at Islands Hospice’s town location, Janelle supports the director of clinical services with day to day tasks like scheduling, audits, ordering medications, communicating with physicians, and assisting nurses, social workers, spiritual care providers and home health aides as needed. She believes effective communication and teamwork are key to taking care of patients.

“I check for patient needs and concerns and provide resolution in a timely manner and update the field staff so they can be prepared for the day,” she explained. “I put in a lot of effort to help my patients by assisting my team members and anyone who needs it.”

Although she has been an LPN for more than 11 years, Janelle eventually wants to follow in the footsteps of her late grandmother and become a registered nurse. “It’s what my father always wanted me to be,” she added.