This Hospice Care Week, we’re taking a moment to reflect on the incredible work that is being done to make sure everyone can benefit from the very best end-of-life care, whether that is within our inpatient unit or out in the community.

Everyone deserves access to high-quality hospice care, whatever their circumstances. But too many people are missing out, while rising demand, increasing costs and pressures on funding mean hospices are facing more uncertainty than ever.

We’re incredibly proud to have Shannon working alongside us as a Clinical Nurse Specialist in our Community Team. Her decision to continue her career with us is something we’re truly grateful for, and is a wonderful example of how investing in our people can strengthen the care we provide every day.

Is nursing something that you have always been passionate about pursuing? 

Even as a child, I  wanted to be a nurse. I used to walk around with my mum’s stethoscope, pretending to check everyone’s heart. I was always drawn to the idea of helping people. Being the person who offers comfort, reassurance, and care during the hardest moments in someone’s life. That instinct never went away. Over time, it grew into a deep-rooted desire to do something meaningful, something that could make a real difference. For me, nursing was never just a career; it was a calling, and one I feel incredibly privileged to follow.

Shannon trying on her nursing uniform for the very first time.

What was the first step in your career journey?

Before I began my nursing training, I studied Social Care at college straight out of school. That led me into work supporting young adults with learning difficulties and epilepsy. It was a role that taught me patience, empathy, and the power of communication. Later, I moved into nursing homes, supporting older adults with complex needs. That’s where I started to feel a drive to develop my skills and do more.

Shannon in her first university lecture.

In 2016, I made the leap and began my nursing training, while working as a healthcare assistant (HCA) in hospitals and the community. My advice to new nurses starting out? You learn a lot from HCAs. So, learn from their wealth of experience; they’re your never-ending support.

What did your first few years as a staff nurse look like?

I qualified in 2019, and just six months into my role as a staff nurse in general medicine, the COVID-19 pandemic struck. It was like a baptism of fire. Like so many others new to the profession, I was thrown into a world of constant change, uncertainty, and emotional intensity. But instead of letting it discourage me, I saw it as a chance to grow. We all had to adapt quickly, lean on our teams, and give everything to the patients in our care.

Shannon at her graduation.

During the pandemic, I cared for patients from all backgrounds, many nearing the end of their lives and often without family by their side. Those moments were heartbreaking but also deeply meaningful. I was there to offer comfort, hold a hand, and ensure dignity and care when it mattered most. It was in those quiet, difficult moments that I discovered my passion for palliative and end-of-life care. That’s when I realised I could truly make a difference.

After the height of the pandemic, I returned to working in general medicine with a focus on cardiology for the next five years to develop my core nursing skills. Every patient had a different story, background, and set of needs, which I found rewarding. The best part of nursing, for me, has always been the connection you build with your patients. Getting to know who they are, understanding what matters most to them, and tailoring their care around their individuality. That’s what makes the job so special.

What then led you to Ardgowan Hospice?

My years of experience led me to where I am now, working at Ardgowan Hospice. From the moment I arrived, I knew it was where I was meant to be. The team welcomed me with open arms and supported me in ways I never expected. In my first year,  I’ve been placed on several training courses and offered opportunities that have helped me grow not just as a nurse, but as a person. Ardgowan has helped me build a personalised development plan, and I’ve felt truly invested in every step of the way.

A Future with Ardgowan Hospice

Looking ahead, I’m passionate about continuing to grow both personally and professionally and taking the next steps in my nursing career. The opportunity to join the amazing hospice community team as a Clinical Nurse Specialist has opened the door for me to develop further within palliative care. It’s a role that’s already challenged and inspired me in new ways. I’ve recently started back at university, taking my first formal steps toward advanced nurse training. It’s an exciting (and slightly daunting) time, but I’m committed to learning, growing, and becoming the best nurse I can be.

Shannon’s first Ardgowan Hospice headshot.

My role has changed quite a bit since moving from a staff nurse position in the Inpatient Unit to working as a Clinical Nurse Specialist in the community. In the IPU, I was part of a team delivering high-quality, hands-on care to patients with life-limiting conditions who required symptom management or were approaching the end of life, all within a fully supported environment.

Shannon out on a community visit.

Now, in the community, I work more independently, supporting patients and families in their own homes. The role involves more planning, problem-solving, and learning how to communicate with a wide range of people, whilst supporting/ working with multidisciplinary teams (such as the patient’s dedicated general practitioners and their amazing district nurses). This move has been a natural step forward in my career, giving me the opportunity to take on more responsibility, develop my clinical decision-making skills, and continue growing both professionally and personally within palliative care.

One of the greatest joys of working in the community is being welcomed into people’s homes and lives (does that make me sound nosy?). Their personal spaces are filled with photos, memories, and stories, and it’s a privilege to become part of their circle. For many who don’t have family nearby, I may be the only person providing that support, which is a true honour. It often reminds me of my time working on wards during COVID, when we became like a “nursing family” to patients. I strive to do everything I can to help people celebrate life in the way that’s best for them, bringing comfort, dignity, and joy to each moment we share.

Shannon visiting a patient out on a community visit.

After two years working with the hospice, I found myself reflecting on everything this profession has given me and everything we, as nurses, give to others. We walk, laugh and sit beside people during their most vulnerable and significant moments. We listen, support, advocate, and care. It’s not always easy, but it’s a privilege I’ll never take for granted. The past few years have only consolidated my pride in being part of such a resilient and compassionate profession.

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If you would like to learn more about the Community Team at Ardgowan Hospice and/or could benefit from their expertise, please contact info@ardgowanhospice.co.uk or call 01475 726830.