When questions or urgent needs arise after hours, Hospice of the Northwest patients and families rely on telepage nurses like Jennifer Ferris, RN, for support. She works from 5 p.m. to 8 a.m., answering calls for help and making emergency in-home visits, ensuring people receive compassionate care when they need it most.
Jennifer’s Path to Hospice Care
Jennifer’s nursing career began in 2013 in the fast-paced Cardiothoracic Intensive Care Unit (CICU) at University of Colorado Hospital. There, she witnessed the extraordinary measures taken to prolong life. These experiences shaped her understanding of what patients experience during a health crisis and at the end of life.
After a year in the CICU, Jennifer began working in home health. Over time, she’s held a variety of positions, including nurse case manager, trainer, and clinical manager, as she moved from Denver to Boston and eventually to Bellingham.
In 2022, Jennifer joined Hospice of the Northwest as an RN Case Manager before transitioning to her current role as a telepage nurse. “For most of my career, I took care of patients in their homes throughout many different phases of life,” says Jennifer. “I was naturally drawn to hospice as the next step in my career.”
Jennifer also found inspiration through her personal experience as a caregiver for her mother-in-law in the final month of life.
“I had the privilege to be there with her,” Jennifer shares. “She was an incredible woman. Witnessing how she chose to spend the end of her life was enlightening. I saw her bravery, her love for her family, and how she made her own death beautiful. I never realized death could be beautiful—it was always something to fear. Now, my mission is to make the end of life as beautiful as possible, even in the face of adversity.”
Jennifer views nursing as more than a career; it’s part of who she is. When asked what she would do if she won the lottery, Jennifer says she would still be a nurse. “I don’t think I would feel whole without patient care,” she says.
Compassionate Care After Hours
At Hospice of the Northwest, patients and families have access to 24/7 nursing support. As a telepage nurse, Jennifer plays a vital role in delivering compassionate care after hours.
Every evening after 5 p.m., Jennifer starts answering calls from patients and families, assessing their needs, and determining next steps. “I advise patients and families on pain and symptom management, answer medical and medication-related questions, and work with our medical director to provide the best quality of care possible,” explains Jennifer.
She is also available for in-person visits when urgent needs arise. These visits are often related to severe pain, symptoms, or medical needs like catheter issues. Jennifer also responds in person when someone dies after hours, providing post-mortem care for the patient and offering support to their loved ones.
“It’s a privilege to help our patients at some of the most challenging, and often, the most beautiful and meaningful moments of their lives,” says Jennifer.
Life Beyond the Telepage Shift
Outside of work, Jennifer is a self-described “woman of many hobbies.” She finds the most peace when gardening, but also has an adventurous spirit and enjoys kayaking, paddleboarding, skiing, and even bungee jumping!
Jennifer is also an avid music lover. In fact, she spends many nights in her car listening to music as she travels between patient homes. She also plays the ukulele and enjoys concert-going, even travelling to other states and countries to see a live show.
In her quieter moments, Jennifer sews, makes macrame, and spends time with her beloved pets: a dog, two cats, six ducks, and a Pacific tree frog.
We’re Here for You, Day and Night
At Hospice of the Northwest, compassionate care doesn’t stop when the sun goes down. Thanks to dedicated telepage nurses like Jennifer, expert support is available to you and your loved ones 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, every day of the year.
Learn more about how our team can walk with you and your circles of support by calling 360-814-5550.