Teammate Spotlight: Kerrie Riggs

Kerrie Riggs is a Registered Nurse (RN) for Faith Presbyterian Hospice (FPH), working in the Harold E. Simmons In-Patient Care Center at the T. Boone Pickens Hospice Center. In her role, she ensures patients and their loved ones are as comfortable as possible during their final days, while also providing support through the process to alleviate fears. We sat down with Kerrie to learn more about her through a fun question and answer session. Read about this caring teammate below.

What are you passionate about regarding your professional role?
As a nurse in an inpatient hospice unit, I work closely with our team to ensure every detail of the patient’s care is handled with care and compassion. Beyond medical care, a large part of what I do is to provide emotional support. This includes being present to listen, offering comforting words and even sharing a hug to allow patients and families to feel cared for and reassured during this challenging journey.

Professionally and personally, I believe that every person, no matter their culture, age, lifestyle, resources, sexual orientation or beliefs deserves to be treated with dignity, respect and love. There really is no greater service or gift to offer in this life. Each moment matters and each interaction is an opportunity to bring peace, comfort and hope to someone else.

Favorite memory/moment to date during your time at FPH:
One of my favorite memories at FPH is of an older gentleman who was nearing the end of life. His wife, who had very little time to prepare, was struggling with anxiety, sleeplessness and emotional distress. She was agitated and even her family wasn’t sure how to support her during this difficult time. Recognizing her need for comfort, we asked if she would like to lie next to her husband. She looked up with such relief and agreed, so we carefully made a space for her to lie next to him in the bed. She rested her head on his chest and for the first time in days she was able to sleep peacefully. When she woke up, her husband had passed away and she was at peace. She could not express enough gratitude for what the hospice team provided. It was an incredibly meaningful moment, knowing that we were able to give her that final moment of comfort and closure.

What do you think sets FPH apart from other hospice services?
What sets FPH apart from other hospice services is the deep, personal commitment that our teammates and volunteers have to our patients and their loved ones. The FPH team goes above and beyond by providing exceptional medical care, offering emotional support or simply being a comforting presence during difficult moments. What really stands out to me is the way we support each other. We are willing to pray with and for our patients, their families and one another. This sense of spiritual and emotional connection creates an environment that feels more like family than just a workplace. It’s rare to find a team so dedicated to their mission. In my experience, I’ve never seen this kind of personal dedication to excellence and compassion at any other organization, and it makes all the difference in the care we provide.

What is something that makes you feel proud?
The time in my life I’m most proud of is my return to nursing after being home with my children for 20 years. I was accepted into a registered nurse refresher program, completed clinicals to refresh my skills and successfully re-entered the field. It was a challenging but rewarding journey and reminded me that it’s never too late to pursue your passions and make a difference in the lives of others.

On the weekend, you can find me:
On weekends, I enjoy sleeping in, cuddling with my fur babies and meditating to relax. I also enjoy renovating rooms in our house and have been known to paint ceilings, walls and woodwork on a good day. I like to stay active with free YouTube workout videos and by walking my dogs.

My favorite foods/restaurants include:
My favorite place to eat is a small, long-standing restaurant in Forney called Madres Cocina. For the past 24 years, we’ve made it a tradition to go there on Friday nights for chicken quesadillas and chips. It’s the perfect comfort food!

Tell us about your hobbies:
My hobbies are writing, staying active through fitness and walking, traveling and creating designs on Canva.

Share about your family:
The most important people in my life include my husband, Tommy – he’s my high school sweetheart and we’ve been married for 41+ years. Our kids, Andrew (28), Luke (25) and Lydia (22), are scattered all over the world, but they all hold a special place in my heart. Andrew lives in Dallas and was nominated for Salesman of the Year at his company, Lydia just graduated from King’s College in London with degree in International Development and Luke is a happy, struggling theatre director pursing his dream in New York City. We also have two fur babies, Bella, our Basenji mix rescue, and Sophia, our Yorkie rescue. They all make life so much richer, no matter how far apart we are.

How would your friends describe you?
I think my friends would say I’m loyal, compassionate and a good listener. I try to be there for them, offering support and empathy when they need it most. I hope they see me as kind and someone they can rely on, especially during tough times.