A day in the life of an oncology nurse in palliative care

In the next instalment of our day in the life of a nurse series, we talk to oncology nurse and palliative care specialist, Lilian Wiles. She tells us what it was like training in the old apprenticeship scheme in the late 1980′s and how different the industry is today. She tells us,

I think nurse training today empowers new nursing students to be dynamic; to challenge outmoded practice and strive for an evidence-based approach to caring that puts the patient at the centre of any given healthcare setting and encompasses all aspects of their care, rather than as a name and a diagnosis in bed no X.

Lilian also gives us an insight into the essential skills required in providing palliative care , not least of which is a sense of humour. In a patient’s last weeks and days of life, she says it’s crucial to ensure that any suffering is alleviated and they feel that their symptoms are being managed well.

You can read the full article, day in the life of an oncology nurse here.