I first became aware of Haven House as a student nurse and like many nurses starting their career I initially assumed a children’s hospice would not be the place for me. Being told my placement was at a hospice really scared me. I thought to myself, ‘can I really do this, won’t I find it too depressing?’

However, when I started my placement, the warmth and support from the nurses and healthcare support workers made me immediately want to join the care team. I realised that a children’s hospice is all about providing wonderful care to children and their families and creating special memories.

A place to learn and deliver an exceptional service

When I saw the advert for nurses on the Haven House website, I applied straight away knowing that I was coming to a place where I can learn from colleagues about how to deliver an exceptional service and be the nurse that I always wanted to be.

I have been a nurse at Haven House for ten years now.  My role consists of caring for children with life-limiting and life-threatening conditions and providing every opportunity for them to enjoy life. This includes helping them with sensory play, reading, singing and taking them out in our beautiful grounds. 

One-to-one care and quality time with children

Being a children’s nurse is challenging as it requires a high level of skill, but rewarding when you see the difference you make to families. I get to look after each child on a one-to-one basis which is special. I get to spend quality time with children, really getting to know them, time I wouldn’t get on a hospital ward. It’s such an honour and a privilege to be part of each child's journey.

I lead on medicine management which is a very exciting role as it gives me the opportunity to liaise with parents and other health care professionals involved in the care of the child.

Many of our children require so many different types of medicines which have to be delivered at various times of the day and night. I’m always looking at ways to improve our medicine management and make it easier for families. Greater access to families means we can be more efficient with medication, reduce the risk of errors and give parents more support when they attend the pharmacy clinic.

I have also worked with pharmacists to create a medication chart to effectively log and monitor the large number of medications which many of our children require. Ultimately, to work with families to improve the delivery of care is a huge privilege.  

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