Literature Review

Best healthcare jobs in 2026: US News Becker's Hospital Review; by Kelly Gooch; 1/13/26 For the third consecutive year, nurse practitioner earned the No. 1 spot in U.S. News & World Report‘s annual best jobs rankings. The media company released the rankings Jan. 13, highlighting the best jobs across 17 categories, including healthcare. 

Retirement for Beth Dorsk: Her day is her own Jewish News; by Terri Denison; 1/15/26 A Virginia Beach native, Beth Koonan Dorsk retired as a hospice nurse in 2025.  She agreed to share with Jewish News some of her reasons for retiring and how it’s working out.

Hospice patient fulfills final wish of meal with his wife at Hard Rock Casino Fox 23 News, Catoosa, OK; by Paris Rain; 1/8/26 For one hospice patient, a simple trip to the Hard Rock Casino buffet became a final wish and thanks to a dedicated care team and community partners, that wish came true. For months, 84-year-old Tommy Evans talked about wanting to return to the Hard Rock Casino to enjoy the buffet, a place he and his wife once visited regularly. ... Transportation for the couple was donated, and the Hard Rock staff welcomed Evans on Thursday evening. “It’s an honor for me, as a chef, to be able to be a participant in this,” said Alfredo Vargas, executive sous chef at Hard Rock Hotel and Casino. “We don’t have requests like this too often, so when this happened, we wanted to embrace it and make sure we did the best we could.” For Regina Marshall, the Compassus volunteer coordinator, the moment reflects the heart of hospice care.

Netflix: Goodbye June Netflix; retrieved 12/31/25 A messy yet affectionate family gathers round their mother's hospital bed to grapple with grief, complicated love and the tenderness of a final goodbye. Starring: Helen Mirren, Kate Winslet, Toni ColletteEditor's Note: Do you love movies? Are you transitioning from holidays back to your end-of-life care work? Goodbye June might be that just-right film for you. For readers with access to Netflix, check it out.

A time for community and kindness Senior Concerns; by Martha Shapiro; 12/24/25 I am inspired by the spirit of the holidays and hope to carry some of it with me into the coming year. Thanksgiving marks the beginning of the holiday season. Then Chanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa, and finally the New Year. ... In truth, each holiday brings its own traditions, but together they form a season that invites reflection, generosity, and connection. ... Recently, someone wished me “happy all the things.”  It was a sweet and funny way to say happy holidays without knowing what holiday I celebrate. Truthfully, I do not mind what holiday someone references if their intent is to be kind. ...  At the same time, I am reminded that the holidays are not joyous for everyone. ... This year, I am making a conscious effort to practice small acts of kindness towards others, and to intentionally recognize and thank those that do them for me.

[England] Hospice patient's hidden paintings on show BBC News, Bishop Auckland, England; by Gemma Sherlock and Stephanie Cleasby; 12/13/25 A hospice patient has had his wish come true as a set of his watercolours, previously hidden away in a cupboard, have gone on display. ... Now the 13 paintings are being viewed by the public for the very first time at Bishop Auckland's Artists' Hub. Mr. Scott, 86, who is receiving palliative care at St Oswald's Hospice in Gosforth, said: "All I've ever wanted is for people to see my paintings." ... It was not until a conversation between social worker Marisa Woodward and his sister Sue Coxon that Mr. Scott's paintings were discovered. Mrs. Woodward then contacted The Auckland Project ... for advice on how to display them.... Mr Scott's pieces will be on display for a month before they are donated to St Oswald's Hospice.

5 leadership trends that could shape 2026 Forbes; by Sally Percy; 12/8/25 ... [Given] the rapid pace of change, how should leaders prepare for the year ahead? Here are five key trends they should be aware of – leadership trends that could shape 2026:

Arkansas BCBS offers employee buyouts Becker's Payer Issues; by Elizabeth Casolo; 12/1/25 Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield started offering buyouts to eligible employees, according to a Dec. 1 report from Arkansas Business. ... Other payers have offered early retirement as they slim down their workforces. For example, Humana said in July it would extend voluntary buyouts. Following headwinds in 2024, Independence Blue Cross also offered early retirement in July.

Give thanks and pass the stuffing: Maryland is grateful for much this year The Baltimore Sun; by Jean Marbella; 11/25/25 In a turmoil-filled world, gratitude might seem elusive. But then, there’s that newborn infant or a son in med school, the simple gift of the snooze button and the big thrill of a walk-off homer, a homicide rate going down and a school redistricting plan finally ending. ... We could go on, and Maryland’s elected officials, athletes, artists, personalities and at least one rascal did, telling The Baltimore Sun what makes their Thanksgiving tick this year. ... Political scientist Mileah Kromer, director of the University of Maryland, Baltimore County Institute of Politics: “I’m thankful for the nurses, doctors, and clergy who work in hospice care. I lost my mom to ALS this past April, and her end-of-life experience left me with a deep sense of gratitude for the people who care for patients and their families during one of the most profoundly difficult times in their lives. 

Meet Oscar: The cat who could predict death and comfort patients in a Rhode Island hospice doggodigest - Cats, DD Animal News; by Andrew Alpin, MSc; 11/17/25 ... Oscar, a seemingly ordinary therapy cat, possessed what appeared to be an uncanny gift, the ability to predict when patients were nearing their final moments. It is still a matter of scientific research and debate as to whether animals especially cats and dogs can predict death. ...

Non-profit that brought beauty, joy to hospice patients closes its doors Gold Country Media, Auburn, CA; by Midori Sperandeo; 11/4/25It has been said flowers are sunshine and medicine for the soul. For 12 years, that was the mantra of volunteers for The Petal Connection, who collected donated flowers from local businesses and created lovely bouquets – a little sunshine in a bottle – for people who needed them most. The special floral deliveries were made to hospice patients and senior citizens throughout the region, in Auburn, Folsom, Lincoln, Roseville and Rocklin. During the time The Petal Connection was in existence, volunteers delivered almost 130,000 bouquets, bringing brightness to people whose outlook could often be bleak.

How to prepare for your death [podcast] MedPage Today's KevinMD.com; podcast by KevinMD with Joseph Pepe; 10/31/25 Physician executive Joseph Pepe discusses his article, “A doctor’s guide to preparing for your death.” He shares practical and compassionate advice on planning for life’s inevitable end, from organizing essential documents and creating a “death folder” to protecting loved ones through wills, trusts, and life insurance. Joseph explains why facing mortality head-on allows people to live more freely and meaningfully. 

Scout completes Eagle Scout project to replace a former Eagle Scout project at Kathy Hospice Washington County Daily News, Town of Polk, WI; by Grayson Sewell; 10/30/25 In 2013, Derek Palecek made and installed eight handcrafted bird feeders at Kathy Hospice for his Eagle Scout project, but after years of wear and tear, a new scout, Tyler Szabo, stepped up to replace them for his Eagle Scout project in October. “It meant a lot for me to be able to have this opportunity to make sure I can make something that can have a lasting effect on not only on the loved ones, but the ones who are passing away,” said Szabo. “It’s an amazing feeling to make sure they can enjoy the little bit of time they have left. It almost brings me to tears.”