National Nurse’s Appreciation Week

It’s National Nurse’s Appreciation Week, and we have some amazing nurses on staff at Soreo that we’d like to recognize.

Jennifer Mcginnis

My name is Jennifer Mcginnis I have been a nurse for 8 years and worked with Soreo hospice for over 4 of those years. When I first started working with Soreo I couldn’t believe what an amazing group of people I have the pleasure of working with. I love that I am able to get to know families in our community, be a part of helping them, connecting with them and making a difference. I spend all my spare time with my kiddos we love to go on nature walks, explore Tucson parks and splash pads, have dance parties and play super heroes.

Cara

I am Cara and I have been an RN for almost 12 years now. I started my nursing career in a local hospital and then broadened my knowledge in the field of Oncology. I worked as a chemotherapy infusion RN for almost 6 years, when I felt the need to impact the lives of my patients in a different way outside of a medical office. I had recently admitted my own grandmother into home hospice and was absolutely touched by the care and love the staff provided to her and my family.

When I got home to Tucson, I started my research on hospice and became absolutely drawn to the philosophy of hospice and the practice of care it provided. Shortly thereafter I began my career with Soreo Hospice and am absolutely honored to be a part of my patients journey at this particular point in their lives.

Outside of a work I am a devoted wife and mother. I have a 12 year old little girl and a 14 month old boy. We spend a lot of our free time outdoors with friends and family. And in my “me time” ( usually when my family is still fast asleep) you can find me pounding miles of dirt and pavement, running until my heart is content. ☺

Leslie Jimerson

I have been an RN for 10 years. I have my BSN and am currently working on my MSN/NP. What i enjoy most about hospice is being able to provide care and support to people and their family during the end of life process. In my spare time I enjoy mountain biking and spending time with my family.

Vanessa Kubly

My name is Vanessa Kubly and I love my job! My passion is hospice nursing. I try to put my heart and soul into the care I provide to my pt’s and their families. I believe in the process and the support we provide to the pt as we help guide them through their terminal journey. In my spare time I love to paint, garden and go bunching with friends and family! I am married to a wonderful husband and we have a beautiful eleven year old daughter!

Sandra Pappas

Soreo’s Executive Director, Sandra Pappas, is passionate about caring for people in every stage of their life. She states, “I have seen the continuum of care and really believe that end of life care is as important as care during any other part of our lives.” Pappas has been a Registered Nurse for over twenty-two years in various fields of medicine including Labor and Delivery, ER, ICU, Skilled Nursing, and now Hospice Care.

Pappas studied nursing at Pima Community College and continues her career at Soreo in the city of Tucson.

  She has had a positive experience at Soreo and even recalls a moment in which a patient of hers experienced the chance to take a trip with their friends every year. Pappas spends her days at Soreo supporting staff to help care for their patients as well as seeing patients as a nurse herself so she can continue her passion of working in Hospice Care. She enjoys helping patients focus on their quality life and spending their time with the people they love most.   

Outside of work, Pappas loves spending time with her own family and traveling.

Susan Rockel

I have been a Registered Nurse for 37 years. I dreamed of becoming a Nurse from the age of about 9. I began my Nursing career at a rural Hospital in Douglas Arizona. I gathered many skills and during the 13 years I was there, I fell in love with our elderly population. I was introduced to Hospice and became intrigued. I found that Hospice care is what I had strived to give all my Patients my entire career.

Hospice is the ultimate care to make patient’s lives comfortable and be involved in their journey of end of Life.

I have always said we Hospice Nurses love our patients while we have them and then let go and assist in their Journey to end of life. I have gained so much knowledge and understanding through the years. I am dedicated Hospice Nurse who “LOVES THE JOB, NOT JUST A JOB BUT A PASSION.”

Rachel Womack

Rachel Womack has worked for Soreo for five years and counting, most recently becoming the Clinical Service director. Each day she strives to ensure the most comfort and care for Soreo’s patients. Her job includes training staff members as well as supporting client families with the highest quality care. Womack attended NAU and PMI, where she studied Physical Therapy and later changed to Nursing which lead her to full time occupation at Soreo.   

Womack has been in the nursing profession for a total of 26 years covering all jobs including being a CNA, LPN, and a Registered Nurse. When looking back at her time in medical care, Womack recalls a moment that made a huge impact on her while working at Soreo.

  ”One memory that I think of often is when I was called out to do a late admission on a Friday. I had dinner plans with my family. On my way to the patient’s home I felt resentful knowing I would miss dinner/family and end up working all night. As I arrived at the patient’s home and walked to the front door I felt this overwhelming humbling sensation, it almost brought me to my knees. I entered the home to find a very young breast cancer patient who had been battling it for more than 20 years. I spent the next 3-4 hours talking to her, her spouse and children getting to know them as a family and individuals. We talked about their fears, their grief and sense of loss knowing she would not be with them much longer. I realized that night that we meet people for a reason, don’t question it….embrace and accept it wholeheartedly. God puts you in places you are needed.”

  Rachel feels lucky to work with hospice patients every day and says she has learned not to take people or life for granted. Outside of being involved in the Soreo community, Womack enjoys quilting, fishing, camping, gardening, and getting out of the city for some exploring.