My interest in palliative care began during college while I was completing my social practice placement. I was fortunate to have an excellent team and supportive professors, but at that stage, I didn’t fully understand what palliative care meant. Everything changed when I cared for a young patient living with cancer who was experiencing severe pain and complications.

As a team, we developed a care plan focused on reducing his symptoms and improving his comfort. Over time, I saw meaningful improvement – not just physically, but emotionally. When he told us he felt better and I saw him smile again, something shifted in me. That moment made me realise the true impact of palliative care and the importance of being present, compassionate, and supportive as a nurse.

Since then, I have felt deeply connected to palliative care. It showed me that nursing is not only about treating illness, but also about easing suffering, preserving dignity, and walking alongside patients and families during some of the most vulnerable moments of their lives.

As for my role title, I am still reflecting on it – it’s something I haven’t fully defined yet, but I am continuing to explore and shape as I grow in this field.