Shari Kaminski, APN

The misconception about Palliative Care, says APN Shari Kaminski, is that it is code for end-of-life care.

Nothing could be further from the truth. Instead, she urges patients, families and providers to view it a different way: That regardless of a patient’s condition, palliative care lets them live their best life.

“When it comes to people’s health, sometimes they’re not confident about what they need,” she says. “They’re looking to me to guide them appropriately in what they need to do for their best health.”

At AtlantiCare Physician Group, Palliative Care, Kaminski works with patients and their families to develop a realistic care plan that allows them to live life on their terms. This involves having honest conversations about diagnosis, treatment and their wishes while providing ongoing support.

She has always gravitated to caring for others, and feels she has an obligation to give back. “If you have that ability to help someone, you should always leave people better than you found them,” she says.

Kaminski earned her Associate’s degree in nursing at Atlantic Cape Community College and her Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing from Ball State University. She completed her Master’s degree in nursing at the University of Phoenix and received a post-master’s certificate in nursing from the University of Massachusetts – Boston.

When working with patients, she takes the time necessary to make sure they are aware of their situation before working with them to develop a personalized care plan. It requires having difficult conversations with the patient – and their loved ones – that is rooted in honesty.

“You have to be that person that says this is the right thing for you and then you need to support them,” she says.

“My philosophy of care is to treat the patient holistically with respect and I let them lead me,” she continues. “This is their life, it’s not mine.”

In her free time, Kaminski enjoys spending time with family and friends and traveling.