In honour of International Nurses Day, we wanted to go beyond the clinical surface and explore what a career in nursing truly means to those who provide palliative and end of life care to our community. We recently sat down with members of our inpatient and community teams to reflect on the evolution of their careers and the profound role they play within the Hospice. From the “quiet” milestones to the wisdom they’ve gathered along the way, this is a glimpse into the collective heart of our nursing team.

Q: If you had to describe your nursing career in just three words, what would they be?

The responses were immediate and deeply felt: Privileged. Varied. Rewarding. Inspiring. Challenging.  While the words differed, the sentiment was the same: that being invited into a patient’s life at such a vulnerable time is an honour that few other professions offer.

Q: What is one misconception about Hospice nursing you’d like to set straight?

“People often assume we work in a sad environment,” the team shared. “But it really isn’t like that.” Instead, they described the Hospice as positively charged – a place focused on life, dignity, and meaningful connection.

The team also touched on the “Angel” myth. While meant as a compliment, the team feels it’s important to be seen as human. They experience the same stresses and worries as anyone else; their strength comes not from being supernatural, but from their professional dedication and empathy.

Q: How do you prepare for the emotional weight of a shift?

Interestingly, the team agreed that preparation is actually found in the “download.” It is less about what happens before a shift and more about how they decompress afterwards. Whether it’s through mindfulness, music, gardening, or a night out, “pouring from a full cup” requires intentional rest. Above all, they credited kindness toward one another and the simple act of asking a colleague, “How are you?” as their greatest support.

Q: Is there a “small” moment that has stayed with you forever?

In palliative care, some moments leave a permanent mark. The team shared a beautiful perspective: “There is a saying that some patients come in and then leave you, but others stay with you. They remain in your thoughts and help guide how you approach your work for the rest of your career. They never truly leave you.”

Q: How do you hope to see nursing evolve for the next generation?

The team’s advice for the nurses of tomorrow is simple: Stay present. While technology and iPads are useful tools, the team emphasised the importance of “spending time at the bottom of the bed.”

“Look at the patient, not just the tech,” they urged. “Remember that the patient is a person first.” They feel fortunate that the Hospice environment, whether in the inpatient unit or out in the community, provides the space to practice this kind of “slow,” intentional nursing that treats the whole person.

This conversation serves as a poignant reminder that our nurses are far more than clinical practitioners; they are advocates, educators, leaders, and, above all, humans. Listening to their stories, one thing is certain: the strongest medicine offered at the Hospice isn’t just clinical, it’s the unwavering support these nurses give to their patients and to one another. We are honoured to celebrate this incredible team today. Happy International Nurses Day!