It’s a privilege caring for people at the end of their life

Categories: Care.

Vicki Hall, a Nursing Assistant at Sue Ryder Palliative Care Hub South Oxfordshire, is speaking out about working in palliative care in a bid to inspire others to consider a career in the sector.

Vicki hopes that by sharing her story, she will encourage more Nursing Assistants to get in touch to find out more about the benefits of pursuing a career at the Wallingford-based hub, which provides expert care at home and in the community to people who are living with life-limiting conditions.

“It’s a privilege to care for someone at the end of their life. Especially when you are working out in the community, as you are stepping into their environment and you can get a real sense of who they are.

“We meet people when they are going through a very difficult time, but with our specialist knowledge and experience we are able to support them to live the best lives they possibly can. Everybody is different, but we are here to support them and their loved ones every step of the way.”

In her role as a Nursing Assistant, Vicki visits patients across South Oxfordshire to help with symptom management, ensure they are comfortable and provide assistance with personal care. On an average day she will visit between 6-8 patients.

Vicki shares the most rewarding part of her job is ensuring that the end of someone’s life is peaceful and dignified.

“I couldn’t see myself doing anything else. When you are nursing someone in bed and you make sure that they’re comfortable and peaceful before they spend their final moments with their family, it is so rewarding. You leave the house and you think ‘this is why I do what I do’. Sometimes I go home and my partner asks how my day went and I just say I love my job.”

Vicki is also keen to share that Sue Ryder is a supportive employer which helps develop its staff too.

“The team at the hub are so lovely and compassionate – we all get on well and support each other when we need it. The flexible shift pattern allows for me to have a great work/life balance and there are lots of training and development opportunities. I am always happy to take staff under my wing and pass on my enthusiasm and passion for the job!

“Palliative care is a different way of caring than other healthcare settings. It’s short-term care and it is very tailored and patient-centred. The role is so varied, you meet some many different people and you learn so much. If you can communicate well and you feel confident with difficult conversations, then this is the job for you.”

Vicki hopes by sharing her experience of working in palliative care, Nursing Assistants will be inspired to find out more about pursuing a career at Sue Ryder Palliative Care Hub South Oxfordshire.

For more information on working in palliative care with Sue Ryder, and to view current vacancies, visit sueryder.org/palliativecareers

Sue Ryder Palliative Care Hub South Oxfordshire provides Hospice at Home care to people in the community.

The palliative care hub’s team of Sue Ryder Nurses, doctors, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, family support and befrienders provide a Hospice at Home service, Day Service and Care Coordination and Advice Line.

The Hospice at Home Service is available seven days a week 8am-8pm and combines specialist medical care for managing pain and other symptoms, with emotional, practical and spiritual support which is provided to patients at home in the community.

For more information, visit: sueryder.org/southox

 

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