In this episode of In the Passenger Seat, we’re joined by Certified Child Life Specialists (CCLS) Rachael Miller and Allison Bush, who share how Child Life professionals support children and families in hospice care. Together, we explore what a CCLS does, how they help children navigate serious illness and loss, and how they collaborate with the interdisciplinary team to provide compassionate, developmentally appropriate care. You’ll hear about practical tools, common challenges, and the deeply rewarding moments that come with guiding young hearts through difficult times.

What is CAHPS, really — and why does it matter to you, the frontline hospice caregiver?

Shelley Cartwright, CEO of APEX Hospice & Palliative Care, joins us this episode to pull back the curtain on the CAHPS Hospice Survey. Whether you're a nurse, CNA, chaplain, social worker, or provider, this episode will help you understand how your everyday actions directly shape the patient and family experience — and how that experience is captured in the survey.

This isn’t about chasing scores — it’s about honoring the sacred work you already do. CAHPS just gives families a way to tell that story.

Advocacy starts with awareness—and this week’s upcoming episode of In the Passenger Seat is one you won’t want to miss.

We’re joined by Madison Summers, Public Affairs Professional with the Alliance for Care at Home, who brings timely insight into national legislation impacting hospice care and how these changes affect the work we do every day.

Madison also shares practical ways that anyone—no matter your role—can get involved in grassroots advocacy to help protect and strengthen the future of hospice care.

This week on In the Passenger Seat, we’re joined by Ryan Fordice, MDiv, Director of Spiritual Care at Unity Hospice Chicagoland, for a thought-provoking episode titled:
"Spiritual Triage: The Chaplain’s Role and Beyond."

Together, we explore the concept of spiritual triage—how all members of the interdisciplinary team can provide meaningful spiritual support in the field. We also take a closer look at the unique and essential role of the hospice chaplain in supporting not only patients and families, but the care team itself.

This is a powerful conversation for anyone working in hospice and palliative care.

This week, we're diving into the world of nursing orientation with Heather Faber, Clinical Staff Educator at UpliftedCare! Join us as we uncover key strategies to help nurses not just survive, but truly thrive in Hospice & Palliative Care—long after orientation ends. Whether you're a new nurse or a seasoned professional looking to support your team, this episode is packed with insights you won't want to miss!