River City Six: Betsy Hofman

Locally owned and operated, Home Nursing With Heart (homenursingwithheart.com) is a Medicare-certified, state-licensed home health agency that provides skilled nursing and therapy services to Omaha, Council Bluffs and the surroundings areas. Betsy Hofman is the Director of Therapy Services at Home Nursing With Heart.

Tell us a little about your business.

Our skilled professionals provide treatment in the home setting and specialize in caring for a variety of cardiac, respiratory, neurological and orthopedic conditions. We provide temporary care for post-surgical recovery at home as well as ongoing care for chronic or recurring conditions and diseases. What sets us apart is our personalization of care; we strive to not only provide quality healthcare but to also establish caring relationships with all of those we serve.

How did you get started in the business?

I have a master’s degree in occupational therapy and have worked in healthcare for nearly 15 years. Prior to coming to HNWH, I gained valuable experience working in acute/trauma hospital, small community based hospital, as well as multiple rehabilitation settings. I have been with HNWH for almost four years.

What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally?

I would have to say dealing with all of the ‘red tape’ that goes along with providing healthcare. In a perfect world, we could provide whatever services patients need to increase their health/wellness/independence with daily tasks. Realistically, healthcare providers have to follow a lot of regulations that can limit our freedom to do this.

What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life?

When I came to Home Nursing With Heart, I was very burnt out working in healthcare. I soon realized home health was my calling. It is the best setting in which to really get to know your patients and provide individualized treatment. I especially enjoy working with the geriatric population and am grateful that my position allows me to continue to provide clinical services as well as my therapy management duties. I am so grateful for the opportunity to be part of such a client-centered, caring, ethical company.

Which talent would you most like to have?

Any kind of creative/artistic talent, like being a great musician, writer, or singer.

If you could choose any other profession to be successful in, what would it be?

I would love to get paid to review movies and books.

What local non-profit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why?

Locally I support Open Door Mission, Food Bank for the Heartland, and Project Harmony. I also volunteer with Big Brothers, Big Sisters. While not local, Remote Area Medical is another organization I hold near and dear to my heart. I recently volunteered at a clinic in Tennessee in which over $250,000 worth of free medical, dental, and vision services were provided to the needy in a weekend.

What is your favorite book or the last good book you read?

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak and I Know This Much is True by Wally Lamb.

What is your favorite movie?

It’s too hard to pick just one! Out of Africa, Million Dollar Baby, Braveheart, and Dances with Wolves.

What is your favorite TV show?

My guilty pleasure is Dancing with the Stars. It is kind of sad how much joy it brings me.

What is your favorite local restaurant?

It’s a toss-up between Pitch and Lo Sole Mio.

If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so?

Email: betsy.hofman@nursingwithheart.com; Website: homenursingwithheart.com.