Introduction

1. What is your name?

Joyce Mbulu

2. Which hospice do you work for?

South Coast Hospice

3. What do you do there?

Caregiver in the inpatient unit.

4. How long have you been there?

14 years – childrens’ team and homebased care.

In-depth:

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

Through my personality and abilities, I believe that the best way to live is by taking care of those who can’t take care of themselves.

2. What gives you the greatest fulfilment?

When I see the patient that I have nursed dying peacefully.  Also, although the family is sad, they are at peace.

3. What do you find the most challenging?

When I nurse someone that does not want to accept that he or she has a terminal illness.

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

Fear of the unknown, how long they are going to live.  They worry about pain and are concerned about the impact their dying will have on their loved ones.

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

I bring peace that comes with love and compassion.

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

I do exercises, eat healthy food and I drink plenty of water.

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

You should have a big heart and a lot of patience.  The work is confidential.  Open your mind to a new world of palliative care.

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

Life is there to be lived.  We cannot change the diagnosis there are always ways to help others.  Learn acceptance and how to live life to the fullest every day.

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

It’s normal to feel scared or to experience fear.  Try to be strong for your loved ones, support and love them because that is what she or he needs from you.

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

They think it takes real courage to do my work but they feel it gives me joy and a reason to wake up every morning.

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

I like the team spirit and the friendship of the staff.

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

To make what is impossible possible and embrace uniqueness.