Ice lollies and smiles

I get asked so often how I do what I do and people always say they couldn’t do it.

Being a nurse is a challenging job being an end of life and oncology nurse is a whole other thing!

I love it though and find it so rewarding and a real privilege to support people in their last few days or even hours.

On a shift recently I sat with a patient who was nearing the end. Their family was unable to make it in due to the distance and was trying to get to the patient as fast as they could. However it was felt among the team that they probably wouldn’t make it in time.

So I went and sat and held their hand and spoke to them to help calm and reassure them as they were very frightened. 

I asked if their was anything they wanted and they said an ice lolly! This was great as I knew this was something I could provide for my patient! I dashed down to the shop and brought one. 

I was then blessed enough to be able to sit and help the patient have their last ice lolly and watch their smile grow as they cooled down and relaxed. 

Shortly after the patient passed away while I sat and held their hand and reassured them that everything was okay and that they weren’t alone. 

Though it was such an upsetting and heartbreaking time, I felt so so privileged that I got to be there, I got to share their last moments on earth, hear about their life, share smiles and stories, exchange thoughts and fears and offer reassurance. 

This patient is one that will certainly stay with me throughout my career and made me realise I was definitely on the right path!