2025 Health Care Champions Health Care Professional: Hunter Douglas

Kim Therriault immediately recognized Hunter Douglas’ deep passion for hospice care.

“From the moment Hunter joined our team, he distinguished himself,” says Therriault, executive director of Haven Hospice LLC. “This is more than a job for him. It is a calling. He approaches every patient and family interaction with empathy, dignity and respect, creating a space where difficult decisions are met with clarity, comfort and trust.”

As a hospice admissions nurse at Haven Home Health and Hospice, Douglas’ myriad responsibilities include managing referrals to ensure timely evaluations, coordinating with multiple care teams and providing compassionate counsel to patients and their families.

“I often serve as the first point of contact and a bridge as we begin the emotional journey that is end-of-life care,” Douglas says. “My goal is to be there both for the patient and their families, no matter the ask. I view my role as that of an educator, primarily ensuring that the patient and families have the utmost informed decision that they can make regarding the care of their loved ones.”

During his short nursing career – Douglas graduated with his associate degree in nursing from Southwest Baptist University in 2022 – he has served in a neurotrauma ICU, as a hospice RN case manager and as a director of nursing.

“My mission is to demystify hospice and the negative connotations surrounding hospice care,” Douglas says. “Hospice and end-of-life care can be a very heavy subject for many. Hospice is not about giving up – rather it is symptom control and quality of life for the time they may have.”

Douglas often sees people who face financial constraints, lack of transportation or stable living conditions, and he advocates to make hospice more accessible.

He doesn’t consider what he does merely a job.

“Hospice is my life. I could not imagine waking up each day and not serving those in need,” Douglas says. “One of the most important ways I serve is advocating hospice care at the right time. I have seen many families introduced to hospice too late, sometimes just mere hours or minutes before the patient passes away.”

Douglas considers his calm nature an asset.

“No matter the plan you may set for the day there will always be the least expected situations that arise,” he says. “I have handled many emergency hospice admissions, ensuring that there is same-day continuity of care from the hospital to home.”

Therriault agrees.

“Hunter thrives in high-pressure situations,” she says. “Whether managing multiple urgent referrals, coordinating rapid admissions or navigating complex transitions of care, he remains composed, thoughtful and efficient. His clinical judgment is sharp, and his calm demeanor brings reassurance to both his colleagues and the families we serve.”

Douglas is committed to easing a difficult situation for patients and families.

“Hospice is not always easy, but it is always meaningful,” he says. “That is what drives me every single day.”