A day in the life…………….Head of Nursing

Morning
I start my day early, arriving at the Hospice to open the building between 8am and 8.30am. This allows me to ensure everything is in place for the smooth running of the day hospice. The quiet before the patients arrive gives me a moment to prepare the space, check over the day’s schedule, and make sure that all necessary equipment and supplies are ready for the day ahead.

One of the most important parts of the day is our morning huddle. I gather all day hospice nursing staff to discuss any outstanding patient issues, share updates, and provide any new information that may affect the day’s care. This collaborative moment ensures everyone is aligned and prepared to give the best care to our patients.
After the meeting, I like to spend time with the patients. This part of the day is incredibly rewarding offering a listening ear, having conversations, and supporting the emotional and physical needs of those attending. We work with each patient to make sure their care is as personalized as possible.

My mornings are often taken up with various meetings, which can either be internal, with other managers and staff, or external with healthcare professionals like GPs, District Nurses, and specialists. These meetings are crucial to ensuring continuity of care and effective communication with external care providers.

Afternoon
Around midday, I join some of the hospice staff for a shared lunch. It’s a chance to connect informally with colleagues, share insights, and recharge. We often exchange ideas about patient care and upcoming events during this time.

After lunch, I turn to the administrative side of my role. I complete audits, conduct risk assessments, and review policies to ensure we’re compliant with regulations and providing the highest standard of care. I also keep an eye on the activities we offer, always thinking of new and engaging ways to enrich the patients’ experiences.

Our patients benefit from a variety of activities, and I’m always looking for fresh ideas to create meaningful moments for them. Sometimes, we’re fortunate enough to have special visitors, having a cuddle with the spring lambs or watching the Highland dancers. I really enjoy watching these events with the patients—it’s heartwarming to see the joy it brings.

If a hospice-at-home referral is called through, I may need to head out to complete a home assessment. It’s important to contact the people in the community who require our services and build those trusting relationships. I will assess the patients’ needs in their own environment and the needs of the family, and ensure they receive the appropriate support.

As the day winds down, I take time to catch up on emails and tie up any loose ends. This could involve coordinating with staff, responding to patient or family inquiries, or preparing for the next day.

After a busy but fulfilling day, I finally wrap things up and head home. The knowledge that we’ve made a difference in the lives of our patients and their families keeps me motivated and grateful for the work we do. Each day as a Hospice Nurse Manager brings new challenges and rewards, but the heart of it remains the same: providing compassionate, holistic care to those who need it most.