Please tell us about yourself
I am married and have 2 beautiful children and have been working for Franschoek Hospice for the past 5 years.
How long have you been a nurse?
23 years
Where have you worked before joining hospice?
Private Hospice Hospitals,, training of Careworkers, Pharmacy Clinic
Why the change to hospice?
When i moved to Paarl,I was looking for part-time work as my husband travelled alot and I needed to look after the children.
What are some of the challenges you are faced with?
We currently only have 2 registered nurses, unable to find another nurse to employ at Hospice. My workng hours are only until 2.00pm, therefore I spend many hours at home doing reports, and other administration duties
What are the rewards of being a palliative care nurse?
Helping to prepare patients and their families to deal with death and dying. Helping to alleviate/manage their symptoms. I enjoy training the Community Care Workers (CWW) in the community or health promotion and adherence
Can you describe an average day at your job?
There is no average day. Planning is done weekly. We visit patients from around 10.00am to 1300pm, write reports, do rounds with CCW’s. Palliative care patients take priority and are seen daily once terminal if required. Days are occupied with IDT/staff meetings, Daycare, training MDT meeting, support groups Department of Health (DOH) meetings, HESP, collection of stats
What do you enjoy doing outside work?
Walking my dogs, visiting elderly people
To learn more about Franschoek Hospice, visit their website: www.franschhoekhospice.co.za/
Leave a Reply