Palliative care – could it be your next career move?

Join our taster day on 5 July!

St Christopher’s – the birthplace of modern palliative care – is hosting a Discover Hospice Care Taster Day on 5 July. This will be a free immersive, information-packed day for nurses and care professionals considering a career in palliative and end of life care.

Learn about the fundamental principles and practices of palliative and end of life care, as well as:

• Find out about the latest developments in palliative care, and the extensive education and training offered
• Skills workshops and demonstrations of therapies, including acupuncture and Namaste Care
• Speed-dating style introductions with St Christopher’s nurses at all levels, working on the wards and in the community, to find out first-hand what it’s like to work in a hospice
• A tour of the hospice and its extensive range of support and services
• Plus, lunch is on us!

Patrick O’Shea, Deputy Ward Manager at St Christopher’s, has been with St Christopher’s for over a year. He started as a Health Care Assistant in Ireland 14 years ago, later training to become a Nurse. Three years ago, Patrick came to the UK and initially worked at Guys and St Thomas Hospital in the Oncology and Haematology department.

Patrick said: “I always wanted to work in palliative and end of life care. I always knew it was the area in nursing for me, even throughout my nurse training. Having the opportunity to work at the hospice Dame Cicely Saunders founded, especially with it known as the centre of excellence in hospice care, I jumped at the chance to work at St Christopher’s.”

It is an incredible job. You get the opportunity to share such special moments with individuals, but you’re also able to create those times that matter most for the patients and their families.

Patrick O’Shea, Deputy Ward Manager

“I adore my job here. I came into nursing because I wanted to make a difference in peoples’ lives and provide excellent care. I just didn’t have the time to do that in the bigger hospitals where I’ve worked. Here, I have the time to connect and build great rapport and relationships with my patients and their families and give them the care they need and deserve.

“Obviously, there are occasions when you’re having a tough day, just like any other job. But the team here is amazing; we recognise when a colleague has difficulties, and we support each other to get through it. As I said, I couldn’t be happier in my work. I’m doing what I love, and now I have a better work life balance too compared to working in the bigger hospitals.”

“I would encourage any nurse or nursing assistant who is thinking about changing direction in their career to come and find out more about working in a hospice setting. It is a special place to work. It has certainly made me feel more professionally fulfilled, and I can honestly say I love going to work every day.”

If you’re looking for a new career and want to update your skills in end of life care, or are considering a change, get in touch to find out more about our services and the opportunities that could be open to you.