Maui Corner: Jomarie V. Pascua

How long have you worked at Islands Hospice?

I’ve been working at Islands Hospice for more than three years.

What do you do at Islands Hospice?

I work as a CNA in the IPU House on Maui, assisting patients with daily living tasks. I do light housekeeping to ensure a clean and comfortable environment for patients and families. I prepare and assist with meals for patients. I also provide companionship and if any changes happen, I immediately report it to the nurse and document them at the end of my shift.

Describe a typical workday.

The first thing I have to make sure to do when I get into the IPU house is to check if the patients are resting comfortably in bed or greet them if they are awake. I do similar tasks at the end of the day and do my reports and charting. I prepare meals and feed patients if needed. Sometimes I sit with patients, share or listen to their stories, and sing with them during daily tasks. By the end of the day, I make sure to do my tasks and meet the patient’s needs. Some patients call with concerns that I can deal with immediately, and sometimes I call the nurse to ask for help. 

What is your favorite part about working at Islands Hospice?

One of my favorite parts about working at Islands Hospice is my flexible schedule. I also like the support and care the whole team has for each other. Working at Islands Hospice is rewarding even though it’s very challenging. My favorite part is also helping the patient until their last breath.

Do you have any special memories/stories from your time working here?

I was really scared and didn’t know if I could stay any longer on my second day of orientation. I saw a family that seemed stressed and I heard them crying in the other room. I found out that the patient took his last breath. His family is also Filipino which made me even more depressed. The patient who died had cancer and it makes me sad because he left his wife and two kids. I remember Victoria, my trainer, and the nurse both encouraged me and motivated me to stay. I’m glad that I listened to them and that I’m here still working at Islands Hospice.

What is your background?

I was born and raised in the Philippines. I moved to Maui in 2015. When I was young, I always dreamed about becoming a nurse but due to financial difficulties, my parents sent me to pursue a different career. I got my bachelor’s degree in elementary education in the Philippines. When I came to Maui, I worked in fast-food. At the same time, I was enrolled in a CNA training program and eventually received my certification. I started to apply for CNA positions and was hired at Maui Adult Day Care Centers working in a long-term facility. I was so lucky to be given an opportunity when I applied to Islands Hospice. I’m so glad and thankful for being part of this company.

Is there anything about your background that inspired you to work at Islands Hospice/in hospice care?

I helped my family provide care to my grandparents. I remember when my grandma took her last breath. We then focused on my grandpa after she left. I used to fetch water and help give my grandpa a bath and provide for his daily needs. I saw how hard it was for him to do things he liked, but we always made sure his needs were met. One time my grandpa fell down and fractured his hip. That’s when he started slowing down and he died a couple of months later. As a CNA, I am inspired to help patients, make them comfortable, and assist them with daily tasks they aren’t able to do by themselves. I make sure they are not alone by helping them like how I used to help my grandparents.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

I love spending time with my family and helping them run errands. I like sitting down at the beach with friends to talk story and eat Filipino food. I love to try and learn new things.

Is there anything else you want to share with your fellow colleagues?

Thank you for being part of Islands Hospice. It’s a great opportunity for me to be working here and thank you for allowing me to share my experience.