Profile in Caring: Palliative Care

Kara Mohan, a Certified Registered Nurse Practitioner, has been with Allied Services Hospice and Palliative Care since 2019. She received Bachelors's, Masters's, and post-masters degrees from Binghamton University.

When did you first know that you wanted to become a Nurse?

As I child, I saw my Mom caring for a neighbor who was losing her faculties. The neighbor had no family to assist her and she needed more than routine care at home. I was in awe of my Mom, watching her do this and seeing the relationship they developed. My mom didn’t think twice. She just did this for another human being. I assisted her and learned from visiting nurses. I immediately knew it was what I should be doing.

How has Nursing shaped your life?

It has allowed me the opportunity to play a leadership role. I enjoy educating young nurses and training other professionals as they start their Nurse Practitioner careers. It is an honor. Giving support, education and encouragement are free; we should be doing this every chance we get.

Being a Nurse has become more of who I am than what I do. I get a great deal of satisfaction from assisting people in any way, when possible. However, I do feel I have forgotten about myself and my family many times in the process. It’s important for all healthcare workers to be the spotlight in their own lives because if we are not caring for ourselves, we are not helping anyone; especially with our current climate.

What aspects of your job are the most rewarding?

My favorite part of the job is educating and building a trusting relationship with my clients and their families. I have had the great pleasure of meeting people from all walks of life. Being able to deliver the care that they deserve is always a win. Focusing on 1 way to improve in their care, and following through with that and continuing it with each visit is so rewarding. This is how we make strides. Success to me is measured in quality of care, and to be working in conjunction with our wonderful Hospice team, I know that people’s needs are being met.

What are the moments you treasure?

I had the great honor of caring for a patient with ALS in an acute care setting. As he was fighting to breathe and I was trying to maintain his airway, I began crying. I said “I am so sorry that this is happening to you”, and his reply was, “Why not me? Why should someone else have to deal with this? It’s okay, and hopefully, they will learn from my treatment how to help others with my disease.” It really showed great perspective that we often don’t see, and it gives me hope that there are more people like him.

To learn more about Palliative Care at Allied Services call 570-341-4320 or click here.