Amy’s story
written by Amy
Read all about Nurse Amy.
As their nurse, it was comforting to see it was a joyful moment, as the family saw their loved one experience a good death, in the calm environment of their choosing and out of pain.
Amy
I’ve been a part of St. Michael’s Hospice nursing team since 2022. I think most people have a preconceived idea that a hospice is just a place to die. I even had a little of that apprehension before stepping through the hospice doors. But the moment I walked into St. Michael’s Hospice, that image was shattered forever. The Hospice gives you space, dignity and privacy to be with the people you love – it allows you to be yourself at the end of your life.
I worked on the Hospice In-Patient Unit (IPU) for the first 8 months, then I was given a tour by a Hospice at Home nurse and was told more about the Hospice service that supports people within the last few weeks of their lives. It’s an invaluable service, giving people the choice to receive hospice care within the comfort of their own home. I have been a part of the Hospice at Home team ever since.
I carry out at least four visits a day across North Hampshire, and it’s a privilege to be welcomed into people’s homes. These visits are varied as every person is unique. We’re a small team, so we get to know our patients and their families well, from understanding the psychological support they need, pain management and medical care, to learning their sense of humour and hobbies.
The Hospice at Home team also links with our other hospice services, such as liaising with GPs to request medication, recommending equipment needs to our Occupational Therapy team, or recognising emotional needs and enlisting the support of our Living Well Service or Counselling teams.
I recently cared for a patient who had complex medical needs, as a team we visited them daily over several weeks to make sure they were comfortable. At the end of their life, they died peacefully, surrounded by their family. As their nurse, it was comforting to see it was a joyful moment, as the family saw their loved one experience a good death, in the calm environment of their choosing and out of pain.
Will you do something extraordinary today and sponsor a hospice nurse like me?
By sponsoring a nurse at St. Michael’s Hospice and becoming a regular donor, you can make a lasting difference for families throughout North Hampshire. Click here to find out more.