Be there when it matters

Sue Ryder Palliative Care Hub South Oxfordshire is currently looking for registered nurses to join its friendly team, providing expert and compassionate palliative care in the community.

Jill Draycott has been a palliative care nurse for 27 years and is currently a Team Leader at Sue Ryder Palliative Care Hub South Oxfordshire, based in Wallingford.

She is speaking out about working in palliative care in a bid to inspire more registered nurses to get in touch to find out more about the benefits of pursuing a career at the hub, which provides specialist care and support to people living with life-limiting conditions in their own homes, as well as supporting their families.

“No day is ever the same in this role, but typically I will arrive at the hub in the morning and then plan which patients I am going to see that day. On an average day I will make between 7-10 home visits,” she explains.

“I really enjoy visiting patients at home and supporting them throughout their journey. Sometimes you are the first person they will see during the day, and possibly the last person they’ll see at night too.”

Jill shares that the best part of her job is the uninterrupted time she gets to spend with patients and families.

“I love having time to spend with patients. I never feel rushed, and we have the time to provide care and support in whatever way they need. We’re also more involved with the family too because they’re often all there at the house.

“We are also able to provide vital respite for carers by sitting with a patient for a few hours so they can go and do a bit of shopping or have some time to themselves.”

Jill is keen to debunk some of the misconceptions about working in palliative care.

“People are always saying to me ‘how do you do it, it must be a very sad job’, but it’s not. I just tell them that I am privileged to be doing this and it’s something I enjoy. I think there’s a myth that it’s all doom and gloom but it’s not like that at all – we don’t go and see patients with a long face and there are actually many laughs and good times too.

“Some people assume that working in palliative care is just sitting by someone’s bedside and holding their hand, but it’s a very specialist area of nursing and there are plenty of opportunities for training and development with Sue Ryder. If someone wants to further their career it’s a good place to come and do that – plus you get to work with a fantastic and supportive team.”

Sue Ryder Palliative Care Hub South Oxfordshire’s team of Sue Ryder Nurses, doctors, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, family support and befrienders provide a Hospice at Home service, Day Service and Care Coordination and Advice Line.

For more information on working in palliative care with Sue Ryder, and to view current vacancies, visit sueryder.org/nursingjobs or email healthcare.recruitment@sueryder.org