Five minutes with Nurse Claire

Claire joined the Hospice in August 2022 as a Staff Nurse on our Inpatient Unit, covering the 9am-2pm shift.

Claire shared why she enjoys working at the Hospice: “I came from an acute hospital and I was a respiratory nurse for 10 years. I feel as if I have really excelled in my nursing career since coming to the Hospice, from being a student I always wanted to be a palliative care nurse. We have an amazing team and work really well together. I love the diversity of nursing here and that everybody has such range in their clinical skills. Everyone has welcomed me in as being part of the team and we are all equal.

“Working the 9am-2pm shift means I have great balance in my family and home life. I love the fact that I always come into work happy. With this type of job, it’s often an emotional journey. You have to remember, it’s not your grief to hold. You’re holding space for other people and that’s what’s important. If I want to reassure a colleague or tell someone I had a tricky day at work that’s important too. I am able to walk out of work still with a smile on my face because I know I am making a difference and I know I have the support of my team members to achieve that.”

Outside of work, Claire enjoys participating in a range of interesting hobbies: “I am very much into singing circles, chanting meditations, gong baths and ecstatic dance. I also use The Sanctuary at the Hospice for my afternoon meditation. It gives me the opportunity to release emotional build up.” Claire is also a keen runner and took part in our Santa Dash last year!

Claire shared her proudest moment with us: “My biggest triumph is having both of my children. My second child, I delivered unexpectedly in my bath myself and it was the most beautiful moment I could cherish with my daughter. In lockdown it was very difficult getting an ambulance and they didn’t get to me in time. It was the most natural thing to do. It was my proudest moment, I wasn’t scared, it was beautiful.”

Thank you Claire and all our wonderful clinical colleagues who work tirelessly to care for families in our local community.