Belena Dodd

RN, BSN, CHPN, BCPA
Alivia Care Community Hospice
Belena

Belena Dodd

RN, BSN, CHPN, BCPA
Alivia Care Community Hospice
Advocate Location
Gainesville , FL 32606
Specialty
Special Care & Aging
Other Services
Medical Guidance
TeleAdvocacy Available
Offers FREE Initial Consultation
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*Greater National Advocates Terms of Use Apply
How I Can Help
About My Services as a Board-Certified Patient Advocate

As a Board-Certified Hospice and Palliative Care Nurse (CHPN) and Board-Certified Patient Advocate (BCPA) with more than 20 years of experience in advanced and serious illness care, I specialize in helping individuals and families navigate the complex healthcare system with confidence, clarity, and compassion.

My role as your patient advocate is to ensure your voice is heard, your choices are honored, and your care aligns with your values. I provide expert guidance and support in the following areas:

1. Navigating the Healthcare System

Explaining medical diagnoses, treatment options, and care settings in plain language

Coordinating communication between specialists, hospitals, and care providers

Helping you make informed decisions that reflect your personal goals and priorities

2. Serious Illness & Care Transitions

Supporting individuals and families facing complex or life-limiting conditions

Guiding care planning discussions, including palliative and hospice options

Assisting with transitions between hospital, home health, rehab, or long-term care

3. Advance Care Planning

Facilitating completion of advance directives, living wills, and healthcare surrogate forms

Helping you express and document your wishes for end-of-life care

Leading meaningful conversations between patients, families, and care teams

4. Advocacy During Hospitalizations or Major Illness

Attending appointments (in person or virtually) to ensure accurate understanding and follow-up

Asking the right questions to clarify risks, benefits, and next steps

Monitoring that care plans are followed and your preferences are respected

5. Education, Resources, and Emotional Support

Offering trusted resources for community programs, home care, hospice, and benefits

Providing education to caregivers and families about symptom management and available supports

Serving as a calm, knowledgeable presence during times of uncertainty

My Approach

I believe that every person deserves care that honors their dignity, independence, and goals. Whether you’re managing a new diagnosis, exploring care options for a loved one, or seeking clarity in a complicated medical situation, I serve as your partner and advocate — helping you find peace of mind through informed, compassionate decision-making.
Important Information About Me
  • I offer a FREE Initial Consultation
  • I offer TeleAdvocacy Service
  • My geographical area of practice is Northeast Florida and North Central Florida
Why I Became A Professional Health Care Advocate
My journey as a nurse and advocate began with a deep desire to ensure that every person—no matter their background or circumstance—receives compassionate, informed care that aligns with their goals. Over more than two decades, I have had the privilege of serving individuals in rural and underserved communities, as well as veterans, the elderly, minorities, and those with developmental disabilities.

Through these experiences, I have witnessed both the beauty of human resilience and the heartbreak of healthcare systems that are often fragmented, confusing, and at times, futile. These moments shaped my conviction that patients and families need more than treatment—they need someone to listen, to explain, and to guide them toward choices that reflect what truly matters most to them. Every person and family deserves compassionate, coordinated, and goal-aligned care—delivered with dignity, respect, and clarity.
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Formal Education
University Baltimore Maryland Graduate School Certificate of Principle of Hospice & Palliative Care
Jacksonville University Bachelors Degre in Nursing
Florida State College Jacksonville Associate Degree in Nursing
Faith Experience
  • Catholicism
  • Christianity
  • Protestantism
  • Islamism/Muslim
  • Buddhism
Additional Skills
With over two decades of hands-on and leadership experience across the continuum of care, I bring a unique blend of clinical expertise, educational innovation, and advocacy leadership to every interaction. My background spans multiple care environments and disciplines, allowing me to guide patients, families, and organizations with insight and compassion.

Emergency Room and ICU Palliative Care Integration: Skilled in collaborating with acute care teams to identify patients who would benefit from early palliative involvement, facilitating goal-directed conversations, and supporting symptom management in high-intensity settings.

Home and Hospital-Based Palliative Care: Experienced in bridging inpatient and community care, ensuring seamless transitions and alignment of patient and family goals throughout the illness journey.

Hospice Care (Home and Inpatient): Deep understanding of end-of-life care delivery models, focusing on comfort, dignity, and family-centered support in both home and inpatient hospice environments.

Long-Term Care Collaboration: Experienced in providing palliative and hospice consultation in skilled nursing and assisted living settings, enhancing quality of life and supporting staff education.

Simulation-Based Education Development: Designed and facilitated interprofessional training programs that use simulation to strengthen communication, empathy, and clinical decision-making in serious illness care.

Advocacy and Business Development: Proven success in building partnerships between healthcare systems, community organizations, and hospice/palliative programs; skilled in aligning services with organizational strategy and community need to improve access and outcomes.
Professional Affiliations
Board Certified Hospice and Palliative Care Nurse
Board Certified Patient Advocate
Member of Hospice & Palliative Care Nurses Association
ElderCare Board of Directors
Previous Rotary Board Member and current Rotarian