February “My Why” Spotlight: Becky Smith, LPN: A Hospice Calling Rooted in People
#MyWhy Spotlight: Becky Smith, LPN
Becky Smith’s path into hospice didn’t start with a title — it started with people.
She began her healthcare journey more than 20 years ago as a CNA, working alongside nurses who taught as they went and modeled care rooted in compassion. That foundation stayed with her through clinicals with Stillwater Hospice in 2021 and ultimately led her to join the team in the summer of 2022 as an LPN serving on-call and PRN in the Bozeman area.
Comfort, Compassion, and Meeting People Where They Are
What stands out most to Becky about hospice care is the ability to slow down and meet patients and families at their pace. Hospice allows space for listening, for stories, and for responding to what truly matters in each moment.
One memory continues to shape her “why.” While helping a patient shower, she took the time to let him sit under the warmth of the water, knowing how much effort it required. After drying him off, applying lotion, and helping him back to bed, he leaned toward her and said quietly, “That is going to be my last shower.” They cried together — a moment of shared humanity that still stays with her.
A Deeper Perspective on Life, Death, and Caregiving
Hospice has changed the way Becky views life and death. She reflects often on how, regardless of wealth or circumstance, death is difficult for everyone — and nothing can be taken with us when we go. What matters is how we use what we have today to care for one another.
She has witnessed communities come together in remarkable ways: neighbors building ramps, team members finding meaningful resources, and chaplains honoring faith practices with deep respect. These moments reinforce her belief that it takes an intentional, collaborative team to truly support families in crisis.
Being There When It Matters Most
One of the most meaningful parts of Becky’s role is bringing stability during times that feel like they’re falling apart. Whether she’s supporting a patient, a family member, or a friend, her focus is on surrounding people with the right care at the right moment.
As an on-call nurse, she is intentional about making sure no one ever feels like their call is an inconvenience. Her goal is for patients and families to feel heard, supported, and reassured — and for her team to stay informed so care remains seamless and responsive.
Faith, Team, and the “Extra” Thing
When asked what keeps her motivated on hard days, Becky points to three things: her faith, her team, and what she calls “the one extra thing.” That extra thing is the moment when a team pauses, surveys a situation, and discovers a small but meaningful solution — a gem of comfort or clarity in the middle of a trial.
When she thinks about her “why,” an image comes to mind: the sign language gesture for “I love you.” It represents her faith, the care she feels for her team, and the way she strives to treat every patient — as a universal expression of acceptance and comfort in the middle of a storm.
Becky’s story reflects the heart of hospice care: presence, patience, and compassion when it’s needed most.
