Nurse honored for her work bridging acute and hospice care

Leslie Hunter-Johnson has devoted herself to making life more comfortable for people with serious and chronic illnesses. For the next year, her patients might not even know they're being served by the March of Dimes Southern Nevada Nurse of the Year.

The Centennial Hills resident and 21-year medical professional was selected as Nurse of the Year for Hospice Nursing, Home Health & Palliative Care. Hunter-Johnson's title is coordinator of palliative care, a budding program at Sunrise Hospital & Medical Center, 3186 S. Maryland Parkway.

"(The award) is special because palliative care is a new program," she said. "It gives me the authority and respect for a new discipline. The importance of what I've done has been recognized."

Hunter-Johnson described palliative care as a subspecialty that bridges acute care and hospice care. She coordinates care among patients, their loved ones and physicians to address pain and symptom management and the psychosocial aspects of chronic illness or end-of-life events, she said.

"We look at the whole person, not just their disease," she said.

March of Dimes Southern Nevada Nurse of the Year is the largest and oldest honor of its kind in the nation, according to the organization. Hunter-Johnson was recognized 12 years ago in a separate category.

Patients, friends, co-workers and other health professionals nominate nurses in 24 categories, and winners are selected by their peers.

Hunter-Johnson's nomination came from a colleague from Nathan Adelson Hospice, a partner with the palliative care program.

For a city with a reputation of checkered health care, national recognition for positive strides don't go unnoticed, said Marion Hancock, social work manager for the hospital.

"This is one that was overdue," she said.

Hunter-Johnson works with Hancock and her staff in training about the palliative care program so they show sensitivity in approaching patients, discussing options and alleviating anxieties.

"She's very passionate . She really cares about the program," Hancock said. "When you talk to her about palliative care, you get the sense that she really wants to help patients and be an advocate for them instead of telling them how their end-of-life care is going to be."

Hancock said Hunter-Johnson continuously furthers her own education on the subject, too.

"You see that passion in every conversation you have with her," she said.

Hunter-Johnson said that although the award is recognition that she "achieved the highest level in her profession," her work is her reward.

"It's the journey I make a difference in," she said. "It motivates me."

Contact Centennial and North Las Vegas View reporter Maggie Lillis at mlillis@viewnews.com or 477-3839.