Nathan Adelson Hospice provides employees benefits, unusual perks

By BUCK WARGO

LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL

Providing end-of-life care is a difficult job, but one that’s rewarding to employees of Nathan Adelson Hospice.

Ranked the No. 2 workplace among midsize companies, Nathan Adelson Hospice has provided medical, emotional and spiritual support to terminally ill patients and their families for more than three decades. Since its inception, services have been provided to more than 50,000 patients and families, including the uninsured and underinsured.

Nationally, the company has been selected as one the Top 100 Best Places to Work in Healthcare by Modern Healthcare for two consecutive years.

The organization covers 100 percent of the medical, pharmacy and dental premiums for employee coverage. Dependent coverage, including domestic partner, is subsidized at 25 percent. A life insurance policy and long-term disability benefits are provided to employees without charge. Full-time employees accrue 18.6 days of paid-time-off benefits per year in addition to 72 hours of illness benefits.

“What makes a great place to work is more than just a paycheck,” said Carole Fisher, the company’s chief executive officer and president. “Compensation is important, but deep down they want to feel they have contributed. They want to know their efforts and hard work have made a difference in our organization.”

One employee said they have grown in the organization and continue to learn.

“I am not afraid to ask my manager anything, I also know I will receive a true response. My manager listens and acknowledges any idea, concern or frustration that I may have. I love my job, but I also love this organization for being so supportive of their work force, and providing opportunities for advancement when employees request it,” the employee said.

Employees said bosses will compliment them for a job well done by sending a card to their home. Employees called those rewarding.

“What makes me feel appreciated here is when I receive the personal thank you notes from patients and family members whose lives I have touched,” another employee said. “That is when I am in my element.”

The company, which matches 401(k) retirement plans with as much as 4 percent of the employee’s salary, has some unusual benefits. A Weight Watchers program is offered at work and the company reimburses 100 percent of the cost for employees who lose 5 percent of their body weight or maintain their weight loss.

There are exercise classes offered, including Pilates, yoga and Zumba, and even onsite car washes. Tuition is reimbursed and 100 percent of hospice certifications are covered.

Employees also volunteer in the community. They support two classes at Robert E. Taylor Elementary and Sunrise Acre Elementary with supplies, clothing and snacks. The hospice also holds an annual bereavement summer camp for children ages 6-12 who have suffered a loss of a loved one.

“This is a very rewarding job,” an employee said. “That’s why I became a nurse. It took 20 years to finally find it.”