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Islands Hospice serves our patients, our families, and our community with a total commitment to excellence in hospice care.

July West Oahu Hospice Hero

Posted on July 16, 2020

Hospice Hero

West Oahu
Rovena Juan
RN
Rovena Juan, RN, always knew she wanted to be a nurse, but she put her dreams on hold to start a family. When her four children were a little older, she enrolled in nursing school to fulfill her lifelong career goal. She is now a registered nurse serving patients throughout West Oahu.

Rovena Juan, RN, always knew she wanted to be a nurse, but she put her dreams on hold to start a family. When her four children were a little older, she enrolled in nursing school to fulfill her lifelong career goal. She is now a registered nurse serving patients throughout West Oahu.

Her first nursing job was at a skilled nursing facility. While working there, she found herself drawn to caring for hospice patients. She enjoyed being a source of comfort, so she decided to explore a new path at Islands Hospice.

As a registered nurse, Rovena has met many people who have touched her heart. She bonded with one patient in particular, whose life’s passion was sharing the Bible with people by going door to door as a Jehovah’s Witness. “She said to me that it made her sad that she could no longer do this and that she prayed God would help her find a way to continue to share his word,” said Rovena. Their visits turned into discussions about religion, the bible, and their differing beliefs. “Before she passed, she told me that God had sent me to her so she could continue to share her knowledge of the Bible,” Rovena recalled.

Rovena assesses patients’ comfort, adjusts medications, communicates with doctors, manages wound care, and educates families on how to care for their loved one at home, disease progression and end of life. She offers a listening ear and an educated explanation for the changes they are seeing in their loved one. She provides emotional support and gives comfort when she can.

Rovena recognizes that unexpected visits are an important part of care in hospice. “There really is no typical workday. You plan your day and you understand that plans change...a lot,” said Rovena.  “I make multiple home visits during the day and chart in between.”

When she is not spreading joy and providing support to Islands Hospice patients, Rovena can be found reading, watching movies, spending time with family, and tending to her traditional and aquaponic gardens.