“I always knew I wanted to be a nurse,” Smith said. “My grandmother’s death was the hardest thing I’ve faced so far, but I feel like it’s allowed me to take a little bit of what I experienced alongside her and now make good come out of it.”

Prior to working at BCN, Smith had already amassed diverse experience in nursing, having worked in the operating room, cardiac care, and medical-surgical units. However, she found her true purpose in hospice care, a field she once perceived as filled with death and despair. Instead, she discovered it was about offering hope, companionship and a peaceful transition.

"It's the families and the patients I get to meet and the relationships I get to build," she said. “Through BCN, I get to offer peace to my community during an inevitable part of life.”

Smith learns something about life from each of her patients. She recalls a 92-year-old woman who shared a rich history of the area, deepening Smith's connection to her community. Another patient, Dan Thornbury, reminds Smith to live each day with an appreciation for life. Thornbury’s ALS diagnosis in 2020 upended his professional career. While the illness robbed him of his mobility, voice and ability to travel, it could not squelch his spirit. With the help of BCN, Dan adapted to these challenges, supported by the unwavering care of his family and his Tobii, a speech-generating device. 

"The legacy I wish to share is to live every day to the fullest," Thornbury said. "Take the trip of a lifetime because one day you won’t be able to."

Dan's positive outlook on life, despite his debilitating illness, is inspiring. He often jokes with Smith and his family, demonstrating a remarkable acceptance of his situation. His perspective on life and death is one of peace and acceptance, a state he says he reached through prayer.

"Dan's resilience and humor remind me to be grateful for every day," Smith said. “His positive attitude, despite being impacted by ALS, teaches me that every day is a good day.”

Smith's work at BCN is not just about medical care; it's about providing emotional support through human connection, sharing a laugh, and listening to stories. She ensures her patients never feel alone, transforming the end-of-life experience into a journey of peace and dignity. Through her compassionate care, Smith shows that even in the face of life’s most challenging moments, there is room for hope, peace and the celebration of a well-lived life.



BCN’s primary goal is to provide compassionate physical, emotional and spiritual care to patients and their families coping with serious illness. If your personal goals align with ours, we’d love to have you apply to join our team! View our open positions and apply at bgcarenav.org/careers.