Countless thank you notes, cards and recommendations continually flood our Hospice of the Calumet Area office commending the compassion of our "Angel on Earth."
J.D.'s story is inspiring and I am surely grateful to work with this guy I love and appreciate.
When J.D. Dzurovcik experienced a devastating business venture setback over a decade ago, it turned out to be a blessing in disguise.
His mother had been caring for his ailing father and told him she was “exhausted” and could use his help. Dzurovcik jumped to her aid and feels the opportunity changed his life and helped him put life into perspective.
After seeing J.D.’s compassionate nature, patience and caring with his father, she encouraged him to go to nursing school.
“I didn’t think my brain would be able to process going back to school at the age of 45,” said J.D.
“But my Mom had faith in me and I took a couple of challenging Anatomy and Physiology classes to see if I could handle the workload and I surprised myself. I feel it was more of a calling and not necessarily my plan.”
Years later, J.D. would eventually have the difficult task of caring for his mother during her final days and understands the importance for loved ones to be surrounded by family and friends and the impact it has.
J.D. has proudly worked as an RN for Hospice of the Calumet Area and we recently celebrated his 5-year milestone. He also has an advanced certification as a Palliative Care Nurse and credits his mother’s encouragement as the reason. In 2021, of over 200 nominations, Dzurovcik was recognized as a top ten finalist in The Times’ Nurses: The Heart of Health Care initiative.
He’s more than a colleague to me, he’s a big brother that models what humility and kindness are all about. We are very lucky to have him, and all of our partners love J.D. dearly for what he does every single day for Hospice of the Calumet Area.
“Caring for someone else is so gratifying,” said J.D. Dzurovcik. “I am proud to work with a group of compassionate professionals that value life and it’s important for us to provide the best care we can.”
I was honored to join J.D.on a patient visit years ago and I will never forget his patient Joe Lucito. Joe shared great stories about J.D.
“I enjoy J.D.’s visits,” said Lucito. “We talk about all kinds of things and it really feels great to know that I’m surrounded by people who care. We are always joking around and laughing and he’s more than my nurse, he’s a member of our family that we can always count on.”
Damian Rico is the director of marketing and community relations for Hospice of the Calumet Area. The opinions are the writer's.
Hospice of the Calumet Area RNs J.D. Dzurovcik, Deb Peterson and LPN Kelli Aiello discuss ideas.
J.D. spends quality time talking baseball, Italian food and faith on his visits with patient Joe Lucito.
J.D. receives a token of appreciation from Friends of Hospice volunteers.
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