In our What’s Your Why? series, we highlight teammates whose passion and dedication make a lasting impact on patients and families. This week, we’re featuring Laura Mooney IV, RN, MSN, CHPN, hospice director of quality outcomes, whose journey in hospice care has been shaped by compassion, resilience and a deep commitment to making a difference. From personal battles to professional milestones, Laura’s story is a testament to the power of hospice in providing comfort, dignity and meaningful connections.
Q: What personal values drive you in your role, and how does your work align with those values?
A: As a Regional Director of Quality Outcomes, I am given the fortitude of impacting care delivery across various states through supporting the quality-of-care outcomes being provided by those at the bedside. A personal value that drives me in my role is the ability to partner with those at the bedside and support end-of-life care measures that align with Compassus’ core values of compassion, integrity, excellence, innovation and teamwork. Together, we are not only changing lives in the present, but cultivating lasting memories for family members to reflect on.
Q: What was the defining moment that made you feel proud to be part of this team or field?
A: My recent health challenges with breast cancer have required various hospital stays. During a recent round in the hospital, the nurse placing my IV engaged me in conversation, asking what I did for a living as a nurse. I explained that I work for a hospice and have for over 14 years. She immediately shared that she utilized hospice services recently for her mother. She further stated that the company and staff were amazing with her mother. I inquired about the company they utilized, and she replied with, “Compassus.” Having worked as a field RNCM prior to my role as a DQO, this brought tears of joy and filled my cup with reassurance that we are making an impact—an impact that is allowing families to reflect on everlasting memories.
Q: What part of your job gives you the most satisfaction or fulfillment? Why?
A: The supportive nature that bands across locational settings gives me the most satisfaction at Compassus. My cup has always been filled with being where I need to be to support as many individuals as I can. As a DQO, I have the ability to support those within our regions, partnering with an amazing group of Area Executives and Directors of Clinical Services within each program.
Q: How has working here helped you grow or develop, personally or professionally?
A: Compassus has 100% supported and driven my personal and professional growth. Through the Compassus Career Ladder, I was able to achieve an SN Career Ladder IV, which exemplifies the importance Compassus places on promoting teammates within. Furthermore, Compassus nudged me in obtaining my master’s in nursing this year, both from a financial reimbursement standpoint and teammate support throughout the program.
In 2021, I was diagnosed with Stage II breast cancer. While being a tough pill to swallow and a mountain of challenges to overcome, my Compassus family was unwavering. They provided shoulders for me to cry on, ears for me to vent to, and allowed me the grace to heal. Then with my recurrence in 2024, I had a sense of defeat for some time. With the team behind me and uplifting me, I was able to come out of that sense of defeat and turn that around to kick-butt mode again. You see, at Compassus, we are more than teammates, more than work partners—we are a family!
Q: What motivates you to keep coming back, even on challenging days?
A: We are making a difference, each and every day! I love working for Compassus in the hospice realm because every day is a reminder that our time here is limited. Each day is a gift from God, and not one day can be taken for granted. There are those who are given an “expected” end-of-life trajectory. Regardless of the expected timeframe individuals are given, each deserves the right to have their comfort needs met, quality care provided, and safety maintained. We are blessed with the ability to partner with them during the most delicate time of their lives. That is my why, even on the most challenging of days—the concept that what we do matters and makes a difference!
Q: If you were to tell a friend or family member why your work matters, what would you say?
A: We all deserve the right to transition peacefully, emotionally and physically. Hospice care is not only an aspect of healthcare for those terminally ill, but also a mechanism of supporting loved ones who are left to pick up the pieces and fill in the gaps their loved one once filled. Throughout our bereavement support services, the family is supported for 13 months or more, ensuring the transition to the new “normal” is as smooth as possible.
Q: What’s one story or interaction with a patient or client that reminds you why you’re here?
A: Throughout my career, there have been so many interactions that come to mind. I would say the relationships that were built from a sorrowful situation have been the most impactful for me in my healthcare journey. I have been blessed with taking care of terminally ill patients for over 14 years, and still to this day, I remain in contact with various family members.
In addition, as a field teammate, one of my tasks was to train nursing students on end-of-life care measures. Recently, I received a call from one of my students from more than 10 years ago who is now working within the hospital setting. She had kept my number, which had not changed, and stated that one of her patients needed hospice care—and she thought of me. That is my why—impacting and supporting end-of-life care that matters!
