Team Member Spotlights
Our mission at Brighton Hospice is to provide the best physical, emotional, and spiritual care for our patients and their families.
Achieving this important mission would be impossible without our Brighton team members. We take pride in hiring the most compassionate and skilled people in the industry who deliver clinical expertise and exceed our patients’ expectations.
Our Team Member Spotlight series is our way of highlighting those dedicated individuals who go above and beyond in their commitment to excellence. Each month, we’ll be featuring interviews here on the Brighton Blog and on our social channels.
In recognition of National Nursing Assistants Week (June 18-25), our Team Member Spotlights in June will focus on several of our Certified Nursing Assistants.
Brenda Cornell, Certified Nursing Assistant
Brighton Hospice Minnesota
“I trust everyone until they give me a reason not to. I try my best to always have a smile for everyone—strangers or friends. My kids always said I was their ‘safe haven.’ I like that!”
What is something about you that would surprise most people?
I think people are surprised when I tell them I like Heavy Metal music and going to concerts!
What is your favorite book or movie?
My favorite book is Ramayana, an ancient Hindu tale. My favorite movie is probably Tombstone.
If you could spend a day with any person, living or deceased, who would it be?
Tough one but I think I would want to see my sister. She was killed in a car accident in 2009 and I would love one more day with her.
What is one thing you can’t live without?
Animals!!! I love all animals. I need them in my world for so many reasons!
What is your favorite place you’ve ever visited?
Probably Hood River area in Oregon. Although the ocean there is also a favorite!
Where is your hometown?
Maple Grove, Minnesota
Brenda with her husband, Kevin
Tell us about your family / friends / pets / hobbies / passion projects:
I was a single mom for many years. I have one son but many call me Mama Bee. I love all my “kids!” I love animals and currently have ducks that have come to visit every year for 8 years now. I love to garden and go camping. I am a laid-back kind of person. I am very open-minded and always wanting to learn!
If you were stuck on a desert island, what 3 things would you bring?
- Some source of music
- Sweets—I have to have my sweets!
- Pictures of all my loved ones
What inspired you to pursue a career in hospice care?
Throughout my young adult life, I found myself always helping elderly people. I realized that it came naturally to me. My husband told me I needed to go for it and make a career change. It was the best thing I ever did! He is my inspiration and my rock.
How did you first learn about Brighton Hospice?
I was a lead in a dementia unit, and we were not happy with other companies. We gave Brighton a try and never looked back!
What is your proudest moment at Brighton Hospice?
I think I have many already. I take pride in my care of people. It is so very rewarding to help someone pass with comfort. I am pretty humble, so this question is a bit hard for me.
What are the challenges about working in hospice care that you have faced or would like to shed light on?
For me, my biggest challenge is shutting things off and taking down time. I always want to be available to help.
What are your hopes for the hospice care / healthcare industry?
I think we are heading in the right direction with patient centered care vs. institutionalized. To me, our elderly deserve the very best no matter what. It is that simple to me.
Is there anything else you would like to share about yourself?
I simply love my job and being part of the Brighton team. I never feel alone! So many caring people!!