In this episode of Compassion & Courage, Marcus Engel speaks with Beth Cavenaugh, a longtime hospice nurse, about her journey into nursing, the importance of compassionate communication, and the role of narrative medicine in healthcare. They discuss the challenges of end-of-life care, the significance of hospice support, and how to navigate difficult conversations with patients and families. Beth shares personal stories that highlight the power of being present for patients and the emotional impact of caregiving. The conversation emphasizes the need for humility, compassion, and understanding in healthcare.

Resources for you: 

• More communication tips and resources for how to cultivate compassion: https://marcusengel.com/freeresources/
• Connect with Marcus on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcusengel/ 
• Connect with Beth on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beth-cavenaugh/ 
• Learn more about Beth and her Books: https://www.bethcavenaugh.com
• Learn more about Hopewell House: https://hopewellhousepdx.org/ 
• Learn more about Marcus’ Books: https://marcusengel.com/store/ 
• Subscribe to our podcast through Apple: https://bit.ly/MarcusEngelPodcast 
• Subscribe to our podcast through YouTube: https://bit.ly/Youtube-MarcusEngelPodcast

About Beth Cavenaugh:
I have been a nurse for 28 years and am certified in Hospice and Palliative Care (since 2009). I helped to take care of my mom when she died in 1998 and realized the profound nature of this work and the difficulties of caring for someone you love. I started working as a hospice nurse in 2006 and continue to feel a deep call to this work. Presently, I am studying at Columbia University to attain a Master’s in Narrative Medicine.

I write and educate about end-of-life care because I hope to demystify death and dying so that more people will walk toward this powerful life event rather than run away from it. I want everyone to exit this world knowing their wishes will be respected, they will be taken care of, and they will be comfortable in the final stage of their beautiful life.

Date: 6/2/2025 
Name of show: Compassion & Courage: Conversations in Healthcare 
Episode number and title: Episode 171 – Humility, Compassion, and Understanding in Healthcare. – With Beth Cavenaugh RN, BSN, CHPN