Vantage Hospice

Dr Ali’s team is at it again....”Fancy pants” theme for their costume competition and meeting! Congratulations ma’am 👑

Thank you Cinco Ranch Alzheimer's Special Care Center for partnering with us...we sure do appreciate you!

Vantage Hospice salutes Marian Aguilar!

 I graduated from College of the Mainland in 2008 with my LVN certificate and worked mostly in long term care, that’s when my dad found a listing online for hospice CC nursing. I discovered my career as a hospice nurse initially in 2010, I was a CC nurse for almost 3 years and learned so much about this special field of nursing. I was naturally drawn to teaching, supporting and caring for terminal patients and compassionately helping those close to the patient.
I returned to school and obtained my ADN in 2012. Shortly after my father died from cancer, 2 years later my best friend died from cancer, both of the ones I loved passed away peacefully at home... surrounded by loved ones with hospice in place.
After losses so near to my heart, I attempted to “take a break” from hospice care. I was not even gone a year. When I returned to the field that is when I initially came to Vantage.
During my time away I came to the realization that part of me, part of who I have grown into as part of my being, is a Hospice nurse. I have found my place in the nursing industry where I am blessed to help our team, patients, and their loved ones in a very special way, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world.
In my time off from work spend time with my family and friends. I love cooking, movies, occasional casino trips, riding on the river and now crafting.

Vantage Hospice salutes Carrie Retzlaff!

Before becoming a nurse and working with hospice patients, I worked with children in different capacities. I taught pre-k, assisted elementary aged special needs children, and taught Sunday School. My desire to be a nurse has always been strong, so at 40 years old, I decided to go to nursing school! At the time, my kiddos were busy 9 and 13 year olds, and my husband was a very busy restaurateur! They all stood by me through it all, including my very supportive mother (she’s an angel!) Thank God for them! It was honestly the hardest time of my life and I can’t thank them enough for their sacrifices.
I know everyone wonders... Why hospice?!! I have wanted to care for hospice patients and their families since I was 19. My brother Pat was ill and there was nothing the hospital could do for him. He went home and was placed on hospice. We were devastated. We couldn’t wrap our minds around the fact that he wasn’t going to get well. The entire hospice team (Nurse, aid, chaplain, LMSW) brought comfort not only to my brother, but the entire family, in an unbelievably awful situation. They truly felt like they were sent from above. I knew that this was what the Lord wanted me to do for others.
The end of life doesn’t have to be painful and sad. It can be just as joyous as when we enter life. Once palliated medically, the patient also needs peace. I try to help them have dignity, and a voice. So many feel ignored and set aside. They need to talk about what they contributed in their lives.. that they, too, were once vibrant members of the community and they have stories they want to tell, so that the stories don’t die along with them.
My patients are often more of a blessing to me than I am to them, and I am so thankful that I am able to be such an intimate part of their lives.

I love my job! 💙💚