“Being able to impart my skill set when it’s really needed in someone’s life, is so meaningful to me. I am one nurse with one patient, and I am able to give all my attention and care to that patient.”
Night Nurse Josephine Kelly has worked with the Irish Cancer Society for the last 17 years.
“When I walk in, I’m completely focused on caring for the patient and their family. The houses can be busy with relatives and friends, but I just go straight over to the patient and whoever the next of kin is, that’s my focus.”
While the rest of us are getting into bed, Jo is preparing for her shift. As a Night Nurse for the Irish Cancer Society, Josephine steps into homes across Ireland to bring not only clinical care, but also comfort, to families facing the end-of-life stages of cancer.
“I would say it’s a privilege to do this job. It’s hard, but very important and rewarding work.”
Jo was drawn to nursing since she was young, as many members of her family were nurses. Now, she has almost two decades of care provided through the Irish Cancer Society’s Night Nursing service to look back on.
“It was in the family, I suppose, and a lot of my cousins are nurses as well, so it’s something I was always drawn to.”
She knows that the night ahead of her will likely be tough, but Josephine still goes to work, ready to give care to her patient and support their family.
“I go to the door, and I know the only thing that’s going to be behind that door is pain sadness and grief. I know I’m going to have to face into that, but I go in with the opportunity to make a really, really horrible situation a little bit easier”.”
Jo enjoys working as a Night Nurse as she’s passionate about looking after each and every one of her patients. She’s been caring for cancer patients since 2009, and she shows no signs of tiring.
“The Irish Cancer Society offer 10 nights of nursing care from 11pm to 7am for people who are in the terminal stages of cancer. The Irish Cancer Society office will get in touch with me about a patient and off I go.”
This service from the Irish Cancer Society is free of charge, supported by public donations, and often makes it possible for a cancer patient to stay at home surrounded by their loved ones in their final moments. Jo is just one of over 200 Night Nurses across the country who give their nights in order to bring a little more peace to homes in their communities.
“The people who care for their loved ones are amazing, selfless people. When the time comes for the night nursing support, they hand over the care to us on their terms. Sometimes I can impart my knowledge and give the carers the confidence they need to care for the sick person up to the very end.
"I am mindful that we are present in the homes to support and assist in the nursing of this family’s special person. Therefore, if a family wish to either rest or sit up with the patient, we will work around that. I really do think rest is so important at times like that.”
The difference this service makes to a family is huge, as it ensures the patient gets the professional care they deserve and grants the family a well needed opportunity to step away and relax for a night.
“Our presence allows family members to rest a little bit. The fact that they know there is a registered general nurse in the house, who has the scope and experience to care for their loved one, and to give any comfort measures that are required, helps the family cope with the situation a little better.”
And of course, Jo is also often busy ensuring that the family and loved ones of the patient are coping as best they can.
“They do lean on us, the families, and that’s okay. I’ll listen to their stories and sometimes try to encourage them, to get out old photographs and go through some good memories, maybe put on a little bit of music. Whatever we can do to comfort them.”
Jo’s work requires more than just clinical expertise, but also a calm nature and a great deal of compassion. Josephine makes sure that the care she provides when working inside people’s homes is as personal and meaningful as possible. When she comes to the door, she’s not just a nurse, but a friend, and she brings a sense of relief.
“It’s care in the patient’s home, not in a hospital. It’s all on their terms. Whatever they want and need, we try to accommodate.”
