Jeanne Scheel, RN, MSN, FNP-BC

Growing up in a medical family, it was only natural that this would eventually be Jeanne’s path in life.

She has been a Nurse for nearly 25 years, and a Nurse Practitioner for 15 of those years; board certified in Family Practice. She graduated from University of St. Francis in Joliet, Summa Cum Laude, and was active in the Honor Society, among other organizations.

Her career in nursing began at a University Hospital setting, in PICU, where Ishe cared for Pediatric Cardiac Transplant, as well as Pediatric Oncology and BMT patients. While working there, she had the privilege to complete an Ethics Fellowship. It was here that her passion for Palliative Care was fueled, as she noted a “gap” in care. She organized a team – in order to develop a training program; Project HOPE (Helping Others through Palliative Education), teaching classes to nurses and staff members, as well as presenting to Medical Students and Faculty of the University.

Jeanne co-wrote a grant and obtained funding to initiate a Pediatric Palliative Care program, which has since grown and remains strong. Her career then took her to adult Thoracic Surgery and Oncology. From there, her practice moved out into the community – where she was the primary APN in numerous nursing facilities for 6 years. Jeanne always found that Palliative Care was needed in every area of medicine she worked.

Jeanne was approached by a former colleague to then consider a career at Angels Grace Hospice & Palliative Care as their Nurse Practitioner. Working with Angels Grace Hospice and Palliative Care for the past 4 years has brought her full circle – and now, she feels as though she’s come home in her career. Palliative Care has always been, and remains, a passion for Jeanne. She see the difference it makes in her patient’s and family’s lives. They discuss goals of care and are supported throughout those difficult conversations and decisions.

Jeanne considers it the greatest privilege to be allowed into the lives of her patients and families at such a vulnerable time. It is quite humbling, and she continually thanks her patients and families for allowing her to be a part of this very special journey.