Employee Spotlight: Mike Conway

Name: Mike Conway, Home Care Social Worker, LMSW

How long have you worked here?

Six years.

What made you decide to work here?

After the loss of a loved one I went back to college to get my Masters in Social Work and I was able to complete one of my field placements at Angela Hospice. In only a few days into my placement I knew that Angela Hospice was where I wanted to pursue my career as a social worker.

Under the supervision of Rebecca, Whitney, and Mary Ann, I was able to observe how the staff at Angela Hospice was able to make a difference in patient’s and families’ lives during very difficult times. The staff’s care and kindness was not only extended to the patients and families, but also to each other and me.

How had you heard of Angela Hospice?

Prior to working at Angela Hospice, I worked for a marketing agency on Newburgh road across from Angela Hospice.

What’s a typical day like for you?

My day usually starts off at the Care Center reviewing the prior day’s events, completing documentation, reviewing on-call visits, and preparing for visits. Then I’m off to visit with patients and families in their homes or at facilities. Some of these visits are joint visits with nurses. While at the visits I provide support, guidance, reassurances, and encouragement to patients and families. Often I’m helping the patients and families find peace, comfort, and meaning as the loved one declines. This support continues for weeks after the loved one’s death.

Mike Conway with Director of Development Bob Alexander.

What’s your favorite part about working at Angela Hospice?

My favorite part of my job is being able to enable patients to pass peacefully and for families to have a lasting, meaningful, positive experience. Many times families have shared that being able to care for their loved one has brought them comfort and left them with cherished memories that would not have otherwise happened.

What is one of your favorite memories from your time at Angela Hospice?

Over the six years I have worked at Angela Hospice, I have had countless cherished memories that have left lasting impressions and helped me grow as a social worker and person. I have been privileged to care for and witness many unique situations.

Early in my career I was part of the team who cared for both a husband and wife who were on hospice at the same time, being cared for by their son in the parents’ home. The husband and wife passed one day apart.

But one of the most moving deaths I was present for was for a patient who died at home with his children and wife gathered around him. The son was playing a guitar as the family sung his favorite songs. The patient looked over at his family, smiled, and passed peacefully. There were many tears shed, but the family expressed how grateful they were that they were able to spend this quality time with their loved one and send him out of this world as he wanted.