12/01/2025
As we reflect upon November, we want to acknowledge Home Care and Hospice Month. This is an important opportunity to recognize the profound impact of homecare and hospice work and to elevate the perception of home-based care for patients, families, and the broader community.
We spoke with NJCCN Board Member, Mary Pradilla, who is the executive director of Atlantic Visiting Nurse (AVN). She has dedicated nearly her entire career to the homecare field and was drawn to the specialty early on, recognizing the value of delivering the needed care where patients live their daily lives. “It’s an honor to care for a person in their own home. They let you in – both physically and emotionally – and that provides insight you simply can’t gain in an outpatient setting,” Mary noted. “You’re able to develop a trusting relationship with a patient and work with them to identify and address barriers that impact health, safety, and long-term outcomes.”
As a part of Atlantic Health, AVN is integral to patients’ continuum of care. “It allows us to support patients at every step of their journey,” Mary explained. “When providers work together across settings, we ensure smoother transitions, stronger communication, and care plans that truly reflect each patient’s needs. It’s this seamless coordination that leads to better outcomes, a better experience, and a healthier community.”
At AVN, Home Care & Hospice Month was marked by team celebrations, gifts, team member spotlights and awards. Mary shared, “November is truly a celebration of each and every home care and hospice nurse, therapist, aide and the team members that support them in delivering skilled and compassionate care right where patients need it most.”
