What's it like to be a Hospiscare Nurse?

We caught up with Staff Nurse Megan and asked her about her typical day. 

"I enjoy the early shift - it allows me to spend a lot of time with the patients, carrying out their personal care and meeting their families.

We begin at 7.30am in the Nurses’ Office for handover from the night shift, and learn about late night admissions, patients who may have had a disturbed sleep, or any other unusual activity.

By 8am the patients are mostly awake and we start bringing breakfast and medications to their bedsides. Afterwards, we help them bathe so they can feel fresh for the day ahead. We also change dressings and refill syringe drivers, which deliver medication that needs replenishing every 24 hours. The doctors do their rounds then we nurses organise any changes they make to symptom control and care for each person.

Most patients are admitted during the day. If you’re coming to stay with us we’ll meet you at the door, bring you to the ward and make sure you’re comfortably settled in a bed.

We explain everything and do our best to relieve any worries you might have about being here. Ask us any questions you have, we’ll always be open and honest with you.

MY TOP TIP? Use the call bell by your bed! There is no need to be uncomfortable for a minute longer than necessary, even if it’s just that you want a cup of tea. We’re here to help, so let us help you.

We finish at 3.30pm after a handover to the evening shift. I work with a fantastic team of nurses and doctors and we’re all very supportive of each other. There are lots of difficult moments to my job but many more rewards."

To find out more about care on the ward at Searle House, click here. 

If you'd like to support the work of nurses like Megan, why not enter one of our events or click here to donate.