Dear Dr. Link,

I hope this letter finds you in good health. Today, I am celebrating eight years as a hospice nurse! Oh how time flies! I’m actually a grandpa now! Can you believe that?

As I write this letter, I am taken back to where we worked together at NorthCare Hospice. It seems so long ago even though it has just been eight years.

What a blessing it was to have Mike Barrett as the education coordinator when I started. He and I really hit it off right out of the gate. We spent two straight weeks together as he shared all of his knowledge and passion for hospice with me. I have no doubt that my first embers of passion for hospice were lit by Mike. He and I are great friends even to this day.

With this letter, I wanted to share with you the profound impact you have had on my life and career. I truly believe it was God’s providence that brought me to North Care Hospice.

Shortly after I made it out of orientation, we lost several of our senior RN case managers. I’m sure you could tell by just looking that Stephanie and I were very anxious to see such helpful resources leave the company.

I distinctly remember you grabbing Stephanie and I after one of the meetings and inviting us into your office. To this day I remember what you said to us both.

“I’m sure you are both used to doctors being too busy to take your calls or help you with urgent needs. I want you to both know that I don’t operate that way. I am here for you any time you need me. I always have my phone at my side. If you call, I will answer, and you will have my undivided attention. I will never make you feel rushed. I have time for you.”

After that conversation I felt so empowered! You stuck to your word, Dr. Link. For the next two years, I never once felt rushed or hurried by you. Your calm and caring demeanor carried me through so many challenging situations. I always knew I could step out of a home and call you for help. You were always kind and patient with me. You wanted me to become the best hospice nurse I could possibly be, and you took me to the next level.

Leaving North Care, and your support, was the hardest thing I have ever done professionally. I remember staying there a year longer than I had planned because I wanted to learn as much from you as possible. You poured so much knowledge and wisdom into me, and I soaked up every word and directive you ever gave me.

I’ll never forget the note card I left you on my last day. You weren’t in your office, but I left it on your desk. I remember writing that you reproduced yourself in me.

Dr. Link, I’m writing this letter to you today to let you know that I have shared your love and knowledge of hospice care to hundreds of hospice nurses all over America and even across the oceans. I have recorded podcast episodes sharing what you taught me. I have lead classes at multiple organizations based on what I learned from you.

Dr. Link, hospice in America is better because you bothered to show me love and kindness every day for over two years. Nurses everywhere are learning how to titrate meds at end of life. They are learning how to avoid power struggles with patients, family members and anyone providing care. They have learned the importance of frequent visits and attention to detail when their patients are imminent.

Because of you I have developed a fire and passion for this work beyond anything I imagined eight years ago. The flame that you helped start in my heart is a raging fire to continue the legacy you passed on to me.

Six years ago I thanked you for reproducing your passion for this work in my heart. I promise to take the flame you gave me, and place it in the heart of any hospice nurse who will ever listen to what I have to say.

Forever changed,
James Dibben RN

James

James worked on-and-off as an LPN for over 20 years. In 2014 he completed a bridge program and became an RN. James became a hospice nurse in January 2015. He lives in the Kansas City area with his wife of over 30 years, 4 daughters and 2 sons in law.