Introduction:

1. What is your name?

Lorraine Nomsa Tshabalala

2. Which hospice do you work for?

Stepping Stone Hospice

3. What do you do there?

I am an auxiliary nurse.

4. How long have you been there?

8 years.

In-depth:

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

I decided to focus on palliative care so I can learn more about the holistic care.

2. What gives you the greatest fulfilment?

My greatest fulfilment is when I see that I have met my patients’ needs.

3. What do you find the most challenging?

The most challenging is when I see my patients’ health deteriorating very fast

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

The most challenging thing about life threatening diagnoses is when patients face the end of life  and them knowing that death is nearing.

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

I personally bring love, courage, hard work and interacting with my patients and their families often reflects who I am.

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

I eat well and exercise all the time.

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

The person must know what she/he wants in life because nursing is a calling.

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

I often advise my patients to take medication as prescribed.

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

Loved ones should keep calm, be strong and be very courageous to the patient.

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

My loved ones are very supportive because they of how knowledgeable I am on palliative care.

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

SSH empowers us through training and teamwork is excellent.

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

“STAY STRONG ALL THE TIME”

NOTE FROM CEO: Lorraine is an amazing person and a treasured member of the nursing team.  She is compassionate, gentle, hardworking, dedicated and has the amazing ability to connect with the patient and their families.  On a weekly basis we receive special mentions, of how appreciated Lorraine was/is, from families.  Lorraine has the voice of an angel and I have often heard her softly singing to a dying patient. One day, when it is my time, I would want Lorraine to care for me.