A Night in the Life of a Hospice Palliative Care Nurse
As a palliative care nurse, my nights often begin with a call coming into Hospice (IPU – Te Rangimarie). Between 10pm and 8am, carers reach out, seeking guidance and support for their loved ones. Each call represents a family doing their best to navigate the challenges of caring for someone at home during long and often lonely nights.
When the call comes through, I listen carefully to what is happening for the patient. Is the patient in uncontrollable pain or vomiting? Are they in the final stages of life, with their carer unsure how to help? If I can resolve the issue over the phone, I’ll guide the carer step-by-step. But sometimes, the situation calls for more than advice.
In those moments, I pass the details to the on-call palliative care nurse. They’ll assess what is needed and head out to the home, ensuring the patient and carer receive the care they need.
One recent night, a carer called in distress, unsure how to help their loved one who was experiencing severe pain. I contacted the call-out nurse, who went to the home. They administered the necessary care and spent time with the carer, ensuring they felt supported and confident to continue providing care.
Knowing that our patients and their families are never alone, no matter the time of night, is what drives us. At Hospice Taranaki, we are here 24/7 to provide compassionate care when it’s needed most.
Can you Please Help Us To Be There?
Every call and every visit is only possible thanks to the generosity of our community. Your support helps us ensure that no family faces these moments alone. Click here to donate. Together, we can make a difference.
