Clinical Nurse Specialist - Palliative Care
When did you start the HSC?
2008
Why did you choose to work in the HSC?
The health service was in my blood, I grew up seeing family members, notably my mother dedicate her working career to the health service. On leaving school I originally perused a different career path but the pull towards nursing was too strong, and I eventually succumbed!
Describe what you do?
I currently work as a clinical nurse specialist in palliative care, working as part of a liaison team providing specialist advice for patients with life limiting conditions. This could involve advice on symptom management at any stage of illness right through to end of life care. The palliative approach employs the holistic model, so every patient and their families needs are assessed holistically and we respond to whatever those needs are whether it be physical, psychological, social or spiritual. We work with many different specialists and teams within the hospital and walk alongside them, complimenting their care to help to improve a patients journey.
What do you enjoy most about your role?
Working in palliative care in an acute setting is so varied, the common misconception is that we only see those at end of life or with cancer, however we work with patients across the spectrum of life limiting illnesses, from respiratory illness, to cardiac, neurological, stroke, cancers or those acutely unwell and beyond. It is a cliché, but such a privilege to be involved with patients and families at difficult times. although we often see sad situations and those facing the end of their life, there is great satisfaction in being able to ease a final journey, support a family and provide relief for troublesome symptoms at early stages of illness to improve someone’s quality of life. It is a brilliant specialty!