Rene Smith, RN Case Manager for Ohio Living Home Health & Hospice, has been recognized as a 2023 Frontline Honors honoree by Home Health Care News. To be selected as a Frontline Honoree, a nominee must be nominated by their peers and demonstrate dedication, high performance, and a passion for improving the lives of older adults and aging industry professionals. They must also be an advocate for older adults, their industry, and their colleagues.
In an interview with Home Health Care News, Smith discussed her journey in the home health care industry. She began her career as a State Tested Nurses Aide (STNA) and developed a love for direct patient care. Wanting to learn more about disease processes, she pursued a career as a Registered Nurse.
One of the biggest lessons Smith has learned since working in the industry is that patients often lack knowledge about their health conditions, making them their own worst enemy. She emphasizes the importance of explaining medical information to patients in a way that they can understand, empowering them to take better care of themselves.
Smith’s favorite part of her job is educating her patients. She believes that knowledge is power and that teaching patients how to manage their health conditions can greatly improve their overall well-being. In her view, healthcare is an emotionally charged profession that involves celebrating the highs and empathizing with the lows of each patient’s journey alongside their families.
Smith hopes that society and the general public will gain a greater understanding of the emotional and dedicated nature of the healthcare profession. Healthcare providers like herself spend countless hours helping patients improve their well-being, supporting them through every step of their healthcare journey.
The Frontline Honors Class of 2023 can be viewed in its entirety at frontlinehonors.agingmedia.com/