The UVM Health Network and our healthcare partner locations, including UVM Home Health and Hospice, are staffed with passionate employees committed to providing unparalleled, top-quality care for patients and the community.

Employee Feature: Sheila Kleptz, LNA, is one of our superb employees, proud of the great care she provides to her patients. The UVM Health Network was lucky enough to chat with Sheila and hear about her journey in her own words.

How long have you been working with UVMHN? What is your specific role there?

SHEILA: As of May 1st 2025 I will have been working with UVMHN and the VNA [which later joined UVMHN] for 24 years. I’m both an LNA and an LNA preceptor who helps train new LNAs on the job.

What motivated you to choose working here over other healthcare organizations?

SHEILA: When my mother got sick, I wanted to help take care of her. She was being cared for by the VNA, so I signed up with them to help her in an official capacity.

Have you always been in this role or did you explore other areas/opportunities across the Network beforehand?

SHEILA: I started out as a PCA, which had a very broad scope of practice. Taking care of my mother in this role trained me in a broad variety of skills, which then prepared me for the roles I have now.

Do you find your role fulfilling?

SHEILA: Absolutely, no matter what.

How does the organization support you and your colleagues?

SHEILA: UVMHN has been very supportive to me in every aspect. I have learned so much and gained so much valuable life experience in this role.

What does a typical day look like for you?

SHEILA: For a Home Health & Hospice worker, the day starts early at 7:30 and goes until 4:30, but it’s very much worth it. I love my job and the people that I see, both my fellow colleagues and the patients we care for.

What is the hardest part of the job?

SHEILA: When we lose people. If you’ve been with a patient for months, it feels like losing a family member. It’s difficult, but you can deal with it by remembering the special times that you had with them. I still remember one man, he was 39 years old and he initially didn’t want hospice care. However, by the end you could tell that he was grateful for the care we had given him and near the end, since he couldn’t speak he thanked me by kissing me on the hand. It was a really special moment that shows how much the work we do matters.

What is your favorite part of the job?

SHEILA: The people for sure. It feels like I’ve broadened my own family network. You have to keep boundaries for sure, but it’s still fantastic.

What would you tell someone interested in joining your team? Why should they work at UVMHN?

SHEILA: They have numerous avenues for growth so you really do have limitless possibilities working here. You do have to like dealing with people, but if you do, this truly is the greatest and most noble profession you can do.

If UVMHN was a car, what kind of car would it be?

SHEILA: Definitely a Jeep because it’s fun, durable, and reliable!

Are you interested in building a rewarding career in Home Health and Hospice care? Join us at the UVM Health Network and explore opportunities that support both your professional and personal goals. Learn more at https://www.uvmhealthnetworkcareers.org/jobs/?entity=hhh-uvm-health-network-home-health-hospice.