June West Oahu Hospice Hero

Jonathan Wessel interfaces with all of Islands Hospice’s nurses and CNA staff on a weekly basis through his role as an administrative and supplies assistant. In addition to managing the supply requests for staff members out in the field, he also provides support and aloha to everyone he comes in contact with. The kindness he shows to his fellow coworkers, especially during difficult times, makes him our
West Oahu Hospice Hero. 

Jonathan ensures that every CNA and nurse has the items they need to serve their patients. “I get to see everyone so often that it allows me to get to know them better,” Jonathan explained. “Getting to see how passionate they are about the people they help has been my favorite part about working at Islands Hospice.” 

He is often among the first to see CNAs or nurses after a patient passes away and is always there to offer hugs and comfort. “Seeing the grieving process they go through, and the support their Islands Hospice brothers and sisters provide, is a very powerful thing. I’m a hugger, so please if you ever feel like you need a hug, don’t hesitate to ask.” 

Jonathan was born and raised on Oahu and graduated from Saint Louis High School. He earned his bachelor’s degree in kinesiology rehab science from UH Manoa. Initially, he planned on becoming a nurse, but ended up changing majors to kinesiology. “The idea of wanting to help people and work in the medical field never left me, and that was a big factor in applying to Islands Hospice,” he explained.

Jonathan is grateful for his coworkers who helped him through his initial months and continue to offer assistance every day. “People like my boss Lavie, for showing me the ropes and being patient with me. Or people like Kevin, who always covers for me when I’m not in the office, and so many others. I couldn’t do this without all you guys,” said Jonathan.