Jo Anne Richmond of Big Bend Hospice
What did it mean to you to be nominated by your colleagues?
Jo Anne says that she never expected this award. She felt she was simply doing what she feels called to do in serving her patients and families through hospice social work. She felt honored, surprised and humbled that she, of all the hospice workers in the state, had been selected.
What have you been up to since you won?
Jo Anne indicates that since the time of the award (but not necessarily because of it)she has had an opportunity to teach as an adjunct professor at FAMU (Introduction to Social Work) ; become a certified Zumba and Zumba Gold instructor; worked in coordinating the Alternative Christmas Market in Tallahassee; Served on the Board of Directors for the Organization for Artificial Reefs; and according to Candace McKibben, Director of Supportive Care Services at Big Bend Hospice, “continued excellent and creative care of patients and families for which she was given the award in the first place.”
What impact did you experience from winning? What other doors or opportunities have opened for you as a result of being recognized by your association?
Jo Anne says the award has been for her a reminder to keep providing excellent care and putting herself in the patient and family shoes. She tries always to be mindful of how she would want to be treated. She indicates that the award has helped her remind students to put themselves in the shoes of those they serve. She remembers that she was featured in the local newspaper, the Tallahassee Democrat, after receiving the award which was nice.
“It is an honor to work with people who are dying. The best is meeting people, hearing their stories and sharing the lessons they have taught you.” – JoAnne Richmond
Candace McKibben (left) and JoAnneRichmond (right)