As a palliative care nurse, I have experienced the unique challenges and rewards of caring for patients with life-limiting illnesses.
I have observed that working in palliative care always demands proficiency to deliver multifaceted care, navigate ethical dilemmas, and engage in effective communication, all while also juggling one’s personal life.
Throughout my journey, I have often longed for a close professional companion with whom I could share my thoughts, seek guidance, and find the support I needed. I also noticed that there is a constant need for patient advocacy, maintaining standards and quality of care, building evidence-based practices, and nurturing career growth.
I have also dreamt about writing short articles to share my experiences and knowledge, and also upskill nurses who aspire to be in palliative care. I feel that this sharing will also help me reach out to patients who are far away from me.
Ever since I learnt that St Christopher’s launched the ‘Pioneering Nursing Across the World programme’, I felt that nurses like me had an opportunity to be surrounded by like-minded people.
I take this opportunity to emphasise the importance of such a global networks for palliative care nurses and how it has also positively impacted my professional development and overall experience in provisioning quality nursing care.
- A Supportive Community: Being a part of this global network has provided me with the much-needed professional companionship and support. I have found colleagues who understand the nuances and intricacies of our work, which allows me to share my thoughts, feelings and queries openly.
- Nurturing Professional Development: Palliative care nursing requires continuous learning and growth. With the support of this global network, I have been able to pursue my aspirations as the platform has also allowed me to share my experiences, knowledge, and insights by writing articles and reach a wider audience. Additionally, I have been able to upskill nurses who aspire to work in palliative care, and help elevate the standard of care in our field. Through this community, I have gained access to valuable information, resources, and technical support, which has allowed me to enhance my own practices and provide better patient care.
- Global Collaboration and Guidance: One of the most remarkable aspects of being part of a global network is the opportunity to connect with nurses and experts worldwide. I have forged friendships with colleagues across the globe, allowing for a mutual cultural exchange. I have also broadened my perspectives in providing palliative care. The ability to seek guidance and learn from international leaders in palliative care has been invaluable.
- Advocacy and Quality Improvement: Through the network, I have witnessed the power of collective advocacy. Together, we have influenced policy development, promoted standardised guidelines, and advocated for resources to provide high-quality palliative care. The network enables us to work towards improving the standards and quality of care in our respective settings, which ultimately benefits our patients and their caregivers.
The Global Palliative Nursing Network was launched recently after the success of the Pioneering Nursing Across the World program by St Christopher’s. By joining this network, I am certain that your experience as a palliative care nurse will be transformed positively too.
Being heard, appreciated, and supported, has definitely uplifted my soul and has constantly empowered me to improve my practice.
Having friends and colleagues worldwide, having access to up-to-date resources, and the ability to seek guidance from experts has been a game-changer. I encourage every palliative care nurse to explore the opportunities provided by such a network for their professional development.
Together, we can make a difference in the lives of patients, families, and fellow nurses. For more information on the Global Palliative Nursing Network, please click here.
Hope to meet you there!
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About the Author:
Ms Anu Savio Thelly is a Nurse Consultant at the Mahatma Gandhi Medical College and Research Institute, Pondicherry.
A section editor of the Indian Journal of Palliative Care, she also serves as a Trustee on the Board of Soul Palliative Care Center, Chennai.
Note: This article was first published in the India Edition of ehospice on 29th June.
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