Chicago Executive Nurse Leader Is Passionate About Her Career
Bev Avello has a nursing career spanning many specialties, including: labor and delivery, post-partum, neonatal ICU, pediatrics, palliative and hospice care.
She is the executive nurse leader at Chicago Family Hospice. Bev's deep passion is working alongside the team of amazing professionals who strive to offer a pain and symptom free end-of-life journey to hospice patients in the Chicago area - offering comfort and peace to their families during and after care.
Avello began her nursing dream at Triton College as a LPN student, and transitioned through the bridge program at the College of DuPage, earning an AAS-RN degree. She continued in her educational endeavors to achieve a BS in health care leadership and an MBA, completing both at National-Louis University. Avello is a certified legal nurse consultant, board-certified hospice and palliative nurse, board-certified hospice administrator, ELNEC End of Life Train-the-Trainer courses, and HPNA-approved educator.
What are the responsibilities of your current role?
"My role is to provide overall clinical leadership, support, and compliance for our team serving patients in Chicago, Cook, Lake, DuPage, and McHenry counties. We are honored to have a specialized Veteran Program (We Honor Veterans) in collaboration with the NHPCO and VA, and offer in-depth care plans for all our patients, including those with end stage cardiac disease and COPD - keeping patients out of crisis to remain at home."
What is your favorite part of your daily duties?
"The favorite part of my day is helping to coordinate care with physicians, hospital discharge planners, social workers, nursing facilities, and community partners to transition patients from aggressive treatment to palliative care. Knowing that patients can have hope and experience peace through specialized hospice care is second to none."
Do you feel your education prepared you for your current role?
"My education allowed me the opportunity to learn and grow side-by-side amazing nursing and business professionals. With the help of various talented mentors, I've been able to grow as both a clinical leader and successful businesswoman."
Do you have any advice for people who desire to pursue a similar career?
"Hospice and palliative care nursing is truly a fulfilling career. I am privileged to work side-by-side with experienced CNAs, chaplains, social workers, chaplains, volunteer/bereavement coordinators, and specialized physicians on a daily basis. Helping people transition through aggressive and curative treatment to comfort care, while working through patient-centered goals of care within an interdisciplinary team approach is unlike any other health care entity. It takes an entire dedicated team to walk with patients and their families through their specific journey. It's a blessing to be asked to be a part of every step."
Michelle Guilbeau is a writer, reviewer, teacher and business owner living in Chicago, Illinois. She also has experience in school administration, literacy coaching and is proud founder of CraftKitsForKids.com and MichelleGuilbeau.com Michelle enjoys sharing her knowledge of Chicago, food, travel, education and parenting issues with her readers. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.
