Ariana Salazar Lozano ’27 Provides Care at Heartland Hospice

Describe what you’re doing this summer in your internship

This summer, I have been excited to join Heartland Hospice as a volunteer. As a hospice volunteer, my role involves direct personal support and providing valuable perspectives within the interdisciplinary team care plan. My responsibilities include offering on-site companionship, respite care, and assisting and advocating the patients’ desires. In addition to these direct care duties, I help in the office with the tuck-in call sheets, patient/staff calls, as well as performing special projects like arts and crafts. To qualify for this role, I underwent a comprehensive training program and committed to ongoing education to enhance my skills and knowledge. I ensure all interactions with patients and caregivers are conducted with respect, confidentiality, and a positive attitude. I participate in quality improvement programs and team meetings to provide input and ensure the best care for our patients. Overall, this experience allows me to bring a special gift to patients and their caregivers, supplementing the professionals’ responsibilities and enhancing the overall care provided by Heartland Hospice.

How did Oberlin shape or influence you to pursue this internship? 

My college experience has had a significant impact on my decision to pursue a volunteer opportunity at Heartland Hospice. It was my final project for my first-year seminar, which focused on dysautonomia and its connection to various degenerative diseases, that initially sparked my interest in hospice care. Through this project, I gained a deep understanding of the complexities and challenges faced by individuals with chronic and degenerative conditions. Exploring the impact of these diseases on patients' quality of life highlighted the importance of compassionate end-of-life care. This project opened my eyes to the vital role hospice care plays in providing comfort and dignity to patients during their final stages of life, as well as the profound impact compassionate care can have on patients and their families. The course was taught by Professor Gunnar Kwakye, who took the time to explain and emphasize the holistic approach to patient care, addressing not only physical but also emotional and spiritual needs, which deeply resonated with me. Working with elderly individuals in assisted living facilities has helped me develop empathy and a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by those nearing the end of life. It also reinforces my desire to contribute to this field in a more meaningful way. Discovering the field of gerontology through my coursework further solidified my interest in hospice care. I was particularly drawn to the study of aging and the various ways society can support the elderly population. This academic focus, combined with practical volunteer experiences, has given me a well-rounded perspective on the importance of end-of-life care and motivated me to seek out opportunities where I could make a difference. Overall, the impactful coursework and inspiring faculty at the College guided me toward this internship at Heartland Hospice, where I hope to continue learning and contributing to the well-being of patients and their families.

How does pursuing this internship align with your post-college life and career goals?

Pursuing this internship at Heartland Hospice aligns thoroughly with my post-college life and career goals. I plan to go to medical school, though I am not yet certain of my specialization. Regardless of my chosen career, my ultimate goal is to dedicate my effort, time, and passion to helping others on a deeper level. This internship provides a unique opportunity to gain firsthand experience in compassionate patient care, which is fundamental to any medical practice. In the long term, I hope to open a charitable healthcare facility for individuals who cannot access healthcare due to their economic status. This dream stems from my desire to make a meaningful impact in the community by addressing healthcare disparities. I envision partnering with different professionals and healthcare centers to create a facility that offers various specialties, allowing us to assist low-income individuals and work to prevent future diseases. This internship is a crucial step towards achieving these goals, as it helps me to develop essential skills in patient care, teamwork, and community service. It also provides a valuable perspective on the needs and challenges faced by patients and families in hospice care. By understanding these dynamics, I will be more knowledgeable of the healthcare facilities that offer comprehensive and compassionate care to those in need. My experience at Heartland Hospice will help me grow as a future professional and prepare me for a career dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of others.

Is there anything you’ve learned this summer from your internship that has been particularly noteworthy or surprising?

This summer at Heartland Hospice has been incredibly eye-opening, with several noteworthy and surprising lessons. One particularly significant insight has been the profound impact of holistic care on patients and their families. I had always understood the importance of addressing physical symptoms, but witnessing the emotional and spiritual support provided by the hospice team highlighted how essential these aspects are in improving the quality of life for patients in their final stages. Another surprising realization was the incredible resilience and strength displayed by patients and their families. Despite facing immense challenges, many of them maintain a positive outlook and a deep sense of gratitude for the care they receive. This resilience has been truly inspiring and has reinforced my commitment to pursuing a career in medicine and/or healthcare. I also learned about the importance of effective communication within the interdisciplinary team. The seamless coordination and collaboration between nurses, doctors, social workers, and volunteers ensure that each patient receives comprehensive and personalized care. This experience underscored the value of teamwork and the need for clear and compassionate communication in delivering high-quality healthcare. Lastly, I was surprised by how hospice care extends beyond the patient to support the entire family. The emphasis on providing emotional and practical assistance to caregivers and helping them navigate their loved one's end-of-life journey has shown me the profound impact care can have on a family's overall well-being. This internship has deepened my understanding of the complexities of hospice care and has been a pivotal experience in shaping my future career.

How has your internship deepened or changed your love for healthcare?

My volunteering at Heartland Hospice has transformed my admiration for healthcare in several ways. Firstly, it has enhanced my understanding of the human side of medicine. Before this internship, my passion for healthcare/medicine was largely driven by the scientific and technical aspects of the field. However, working closely with patients and their families has shown me the importance of empathy, compassion, and emotional support in providing truly holistic care. By witnessing the holistic approach to patient care, I have come to appreciate the importance of addressing not only the physical symptoms but also the emotional, spiritual, and psychological needs of patients. This comprehensive approach has shown me how healthcare can profoundly improve the quality of life, even in a patient's final stages. It has reinforced my belief that healthcare is about improving the quality of life and providing dignity and comfort to patients in their most vulnerable moments. This realization has deepened my commitment to pursuing a career where I can make a tangible difference in people's lives. Furthermore, my exposure to the interdisciplinary nature of hospice care has broadened my perspective on teamwork and collaboration in healthcare. Witnessing how different professionals come together to create comprehensive care plans has shown me the importance of diverse expertise and effective communication. This experience has made me appreciate the complexity and interconnectedness of healthcare systems and has inspired me to seek out opportunities where I can contribute to such collaborative environments. Lastly, the resilience and strength of the patients and families I have encountered have been incredibly inspiring. Their courage in the face of adversity has not only expanded my respect for those I aim to serve but has also fueled my determination to pursue a career where I can advocate for and support patients through all stages of life. In summary, my internship at Heartland Hospice has increased my admiration for healthcare by highlighting the importance of empathy, the power of interdisciplinary collaboration, and the inspiring resilience of patients and families. This experience has reinforced my commitment to a career in healthcare and/or medicine, where I can strive to make a meaningful and compassionate impact on the lives of others.

If you're interested in a summer internship, connect with the Career Exploration & Development team to learn more about exploring career interests, gaining real-world experience, and developing a professional network.