Introduction

1. What is your name?

Heather Evans

2. Which hospice do you work for?

South Coast Hospice

3. What do you do there?

Professional nurse doing Home based care.

4. How long have you been there?

1 Year.

In-depth:

1. Why did you decide to focus on palliative care?

A position was offered to me as a professional nurse, and I accept the.

2. What gives you the greatest fulfilment?

Seeing the patients not suffering and being able to bring them relief – knowing how much it means to the patient

3. What do you find the most challenging?

The most challenging thing with home care is seeing the levels of poverty some people face and how helpless they are in these situations

4. What do you think people find the most challenging about a life-threatening diagnosis?

They don’t know what to expect next, and a fear of the unknown.

5. What do you think that you personally bring to your job that reflects who you are as a person? 

Genuine empathy.

6. How do you take care of your own health and balance?

I attend an annual medical evaluation to ensure my health is in order, I focus on healthy eating and ensure I stay hydrated. I use humour.

7. What is your advice to anyone else wishing to join your profession?

You need to be prepared to see a lot of suffering, and be able to show a lot of empathy. You have to be prepared to take complete care of a person as a whole.

8. What is your advice to anyone given a life-threatening diagnosis?

Take each day as it comes, and each day is different. You are not alone, and there is someone to support you.

9. What is your advice to the loved ones of anyone who is given a life-threatening diagnosis? 

Be prepared to face the situation with them, keep them as comfortable as possible, and remember that you are not alone. Hospice is there to support you as well.

10. How do your loved ones feel about the work that you do? 

They are supportive of my choices and trust me to take care of my own mental health. They support my passion

11. What do you like the most about the hospice that you work with?

The dedication and commitment of the team I work with.

12. Do you have a “motto” that you tend to live by that you would like to share?

Do your best every day and be kind.