Celebrating Martlets’ nurses

Sunday 12 May is Nurses’ Day – a time to recognise and celebrate the expertise, compassion, and dedication of nurses worldwide. Ana Da Silva Vicente, a Sister on Martlets’ inpatient wards, offers this reflection on nursing and end-of-life care.

Dame Cicely Saunders, who played a key role in the birth of the hospice movement, once said: “You matter because you are you, and you matter to the end of your life. We will do all we can not only to help you die peacefully, but also to live until you die.”

As nurses working in hospice care, we meet people where they are on their journey, and through our therapeutic presence and expert knowledge, we support patients and their loved ones to think about what matters most to them. We help in any way that we can to achieve their goals and aspirations.

Death and dying is very much connected to how we live and how we find meaning in our existence. We acknowledge that death is part of our human experience, and it is a process. As palliative nurses (providing end-of-life care) we walk shoulder to shoulder with patients and their loved ones as they embark on this journey. It’s not just about treating a medical condition; it’s about finding the person within the patient. At the heart of palliative nursing lies the principle of person-centred care. Each person has a unique story, preferences, and values. By actively listening and engaging with patients and their families we can create a safe environment where their voices are heard and respected. Our, every action is guided by the person’s needs and choices.

Dignity is a cornerstone of palliative nursing. In the face of illness and vulnerability, maintaining a person’s dignity is paramount.

This means preserving their autonomy, privacy, and sense of self-worth throughout their journey. From assisting with personal care to advocating for symptom management, palliative nurses uphold the inherent dignity of each person, affirming their value as a human being until the very end.

Compassion is the driving force behind every interaction in palliative care. It’s the ability to empathise with patients and their families, to share in their joys and sorrows, and to provide unwavering support during times of uncertainty. Palliative nurses offer not only clinical expertise but also a compassionate presence that brings comfort and reassurance to those in their care. It’s about being present, offering a listening ear, and holding space for emotions to unfold without judgment or reservation.

Holistic care encompasses the physical, emotional, social, and spiritual aspects of a person’s well-being. Palliative nurses recognise that healing extends beyond the body and encompasses the entirety of a person’s being. By addressing not only physical symptoms but also psychological distress, social isolation, and existential concerns, palliative nurses offer a comprehensive approach to care that honours the person as a whole.

As we celebrate International Nurses Day, let us recognise and honour the dedication, compassion, and expertise of palliative nurses around the world. The commitment to person-centred care, dignity, compassion, and holistic support embodies the true spirit of nursing and serves as a beacon of light for patients and families facing life-limiting illness. It is our greatest honour and privilege to support our patients and their loved ones on this journey, helping them to live their lives to the fullest, whilst holding a vigil through their last moments.