Hospice Employees

Patti Ellis McMurry, Vice President of Access, recently won Cleveland County Social Worker of the Year at the Annual Social Worker and Case Manager's Luncheon held at Carolinas Healthcare System Cleveland. Ms. McMurry has been an employee for 25 years at Hospice Cleveland County and exemplifies the ethics and standards of professional social work. Ms. McMurry was hired as the only social worker at Hospice Cleveland County in 1990. With the help of her vision and passion, Hospice Cleveland County has expanded and now employs 8 social workers, 3 grief counselors, 3 chaplains, and several other key staff members under her leadership.
"For me it is all about Matthew 25." says McMurry. "God gives each person a variety of gifts, and he expects us to employ those gifts in His service." The National Association of Social Workers defines social work in hospice and palliative care as 'the discipline that provides a professional continuum of services that address the psychosocial needs of patients and families affected by serious and life-limiting illness in order to maintain, or improve, their optimal quality of life'. Ms. McMurry is committed to excellence and expertise in the practice of social work. She sets high standards for her department. Her staff and peers follow her example by providing exceptional care to patients and families.
Ms. McMurry also facilitates educational forums in the community to promote the importance of social work services in the continuum of care. Hospice Cleveland County is Joint Commission accredited with deemed status and also participates in the We Honor Veterans Program under her direction. Ms. McMurry's high standards of quality have aided in the organization being recognized as an excellent steward of time, finances, and resources.
Professional/Personal Accomplishments/ Awards: Ms. McMurry is a Cleveland County native and the proud mother of three children - Joy, an emergency department charge nurse in Charlotte; Paul, a family dentist in Hickory; and Patrick, an architect in Shelby; and grandmother to Addison Grace. She is a licensed clinical social worker, a licensed massage and bodywork therapist, and has a Masters Degree in Counseling. She co-authored an article in the Journal of Clinical Psychology regarding the importance of end of life planning. She has served on the faculty at several Carolinas Center for Hospice and Palliative Care Annual Conferences and National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization's National Conference.
Community Involvement: Ms. McMurry is an active member of Saint Mary's Catholic Church, Shelby Junior Charity League, Keep Shelby Beautiful Board, Shelby Breakfast Rotary Club, Gaston Healthcare Resource Group, National Association of Social Workers, and National Council of Hospice and Palliative Professionals.
Hospice Cleveland County exists to provide high quality skilled compassionate care and support for individuals with a life-limiting illness, their families, and the community, regardless of their ability to pay. As an organization that values people, we will strive to live this mission by believing in the following: human dignity, compassion, dedication, integrity, stewardship, leadership, service and excellence. A continuous effort to improve our service to our community is our primary goal. If you would like to know more about Hospice Cleveland County please visit our website at www.hospicecares.cc or contact us at 704-487-4677.