A Calling to Care: Meet Camryn Row, New Nurse at Hospice of Washington County
At just 20 years old, Camryn Row is already following her calling in one of the most meaningful areas of nursing—hospice care. This summer, she joined Hospice of Washington County (HoWC) as a full-time nurse, bringing with her a deep sense of compassion and determination to make a difference in the lives of patients and families.
Her story also reflects a larger mission. In September 2024, Hospice of Washington County integrated with Baltimore-based Gilchrist, Maryland’s leading nonprofit provider of serious illness and end-of-life care. Together, the two organizations bring nearly 75 years of combined experience, expanding access to care and ensuring a unified approach to serving communities across Maryland and south-central Pennsylvania.
For Camryn, who joined HoWC shortly after this new chapter began, the affiliation represents not only the strength of two trusted organizations coming together but also the promise of investing in the next generation of caregivers.
Inspired by Care at a Young Age
Camryn grew up in Boonsboro, Maryland, and says she always knew she wanted to be a nurse. Her own health challenges as a child shaped her decision. “I had epilepsy in middle school, so I was in and out of doctors’ offices at a young age,” Camryn recalls. “It was scary, but the way the nurses treated me left such an impression. I wanted to be like them.”
Determined to pursue her goal, Camryn attended Washington County Technical High School, where she earned her CNA. She then entered Shepherd University’s nursing program just two months after graduating high school, completing her Bachelor of Science in Nursing in only two years. “It was stressful, but so worth it,” she says.
Drawn to Hospice
While many of her peers were encouraged to pursue hospital jobs, Camryn knew her heart was in hospice. “I love that hospice nursing is about treating the whole person—physically, emotionally, spiritually, and mentally,” she explains. “It’s about building relationships and truly listening, not just getting the job done.”
During nursing school, Camryn had a clinical day in hospice care, shadowing a home care nurse at Hospice of the Panhandle in West Virginia. During that shadow, she knew she had found her path. “That one day stood out among all the specialties I tried. I loved it,” she says.
Honoring a Legacy: The Dr. Frederic H. Kass III Scholarship
Camryn’s journey to HoWC was made possible in part through the Frederic H. Kass III, M.D. Endowed Scholarship Fund, which she received twice—once in 2023, the year she graduated high school, and again in 2024 during her freshman year.
The scholarship was established by Hospice of Washington County to honor Dr. Kass’s lifelong commitment to health care in the region. It is open to high school seniors, college students, and adults pursuing continuing education in a health-related field. Applicants must be Washington County residents with a minimum GPA of 3.0 and must be accepted into an accredited healthcare program. The purpose of the scholarship is twofold: to invest in future healthcare providers and to inspire recipients to return and serve the local community.
For Camryn, it did just that. “My mom actually found the scholarship and encouraged me to apply,” Camryn says. “My grandmother had been a patient of Dr. Kass, and my family thought so highly of him. The scholarship helped me pay for school, but it also opened the door to Hospice of Washington County.”
After the scholarship banquet, Camryn took a leap of faith and emailed HoWC’s team. “I wasn’t sure if anyone would respond,” she remembers. “But they got back to me right away and said, ‘We’d love to have you.’ Everything fell into place.”
A Warm Welcome
Camryn began her role with HoWC in July 2025, working in home care. Though she’s the youngest nurse on staff, she says she has felt nothing but support.
“As a new grad, it’s easy to feel like you don’t know enough,” she admits. “But here, I feel valued and appreciated. My preceptors have been incredible, and I’ve already learned so much. My confidence grows every day. Best of all, I wake up genuinely looking forward to going to work. It feels good to know I’m making a difference.”
Looking Ahead
Even as she begins her nursing career, Camryn is planning for the future. She has already enrolled in Shepherd University’s Master of Business program, with hopes of one day stepping into a leadership role in hospice care.
“If there’s an opportunity to take on more of a management position at Hospice of Washington County, I would love that,” she says.
Advice for Other Students
Camryn encourages other nursing students to be brave enough to take a different path. “In nursing school, everyone pushes you toward hospital jobs,” she says. “But don’t be afraid to follow your heart. Reach out, even if it feels intimidating. If I hadn’t sent that email, I wouldn’t be here. Sometimes stepping out of your comfort zone is exactly what opens the right doors.”
Thanks to the Dr. Kass Scholarship and her own determination, Camryn Row is living her dream of becoming a hospice nurse. Her story is a reminder that courage, compassion, and persistence can lead to extraordinary opportunities—and meaningful impact for patients and families.
To learn more, visit: Hospice of Washington County