Hi Emma!

It's wonderful to chat with you about your experience here at Hospice Isle of Man. As this year's Hospice Care Week theme is "We are Hospice care", we're taking the opportunity to talk about some of our wonderful staff from all corners of the organisation to show how we all contribute.

Please answer some of these question so everyone can get to know you a little more...

1. What is your role within Hospice Isle of Man?

I am the Integrated Care Team (ICT) Lead, so I work full-time as the Senior Nurse who directly overseas the biggest Nursing team in Hospice with over 40 Registered Nurses and Healthcare Assistants. The ICT run 2 services 24/7 providing care to our patients; the Hospice at Home team (supporting patients who choose to die at home) and the well-known In-Patient Unit, that provides patients with end of life care, admissions for symptom management as well as patient respite gifting rest to our very deserving relatives and carers.

I work clinically as a Nurse on the IPU, delivering hands on care to our patients but also as a manager supporting my staff and the relevant admin duties including the roster, incident investigations, policy reviews, staff appraisals and development.  

2. How long have you been working/volunteering here?

I started in August 2017, initially as a Healthcare Assistant whilst waiting for my degree classification and a place on the professional nursing register (and I haven’t looked back!). Since then my role has developed from Registered Nurse, the Senior Registered Nurse to my current position as Team Lead. 

3. What is your favourite thing about being part of the Hospice team?

Everyone’s shared agenda. Irrespective of what role you play or what team you are in, everyone that works for Hospice IOM is totally focused on ensuring high quality care for our patients- I’ve never known anywhere like it, and those are the exact words I hear patients and relatives use daily.

4. What would a usual day/duties at Hospice look like for you?

I’m not sure there is a usual day for me! It can be anywhere from hands on care delivery and liaising with a wider multi-disciplinary team for patient admission/discharge, to wrestling with the staffing rota, incident management and staff development. My role is extremely varied, which ensures it remains interesting and challenging in equal measure.

5. What do you usually do to unwind after work/volunteering?

Spend time with my wonderful supportive husband Andy and beautiful Son Jack, or enjoy a hot cup of tea sat down in peace and quiet- both total bliss. As my experience in Palliative Care has grown throughout my career so far, it has shifted my perspective on my own self-care to a more holistic approach (as we do for our patients) because of this I ensure I prioritise practising mindfulness and meditation, journaling and thoroughly enjoy Yin Yoga (to keep me mentally and physical in balance).

6. Please describe your work/volunteering life in 3 words

Rewarding beyond words.

8. What’s a professional achievement you are most proud of?

I recently completed a Level 5 Accreditation in Leadership and Management, being given the opportunity to study this during my work was an incredible opportunity and gift from Hospice and I’m already seeing the benefit of my increased knowledge base real-time in my work. I am very proud to have successfully completed this in 8 months whilst working full-time and managing home life.

9. What are your aspirations for your future here at Hospice Isle of Man?

I reflect back on all the wonderful staff that have come before me (both non-clinical and clinical colleagues), that I still think of fondly and thank for my development as a nurse and person. I aspire to become one of the memorable Hospice employees that people look up to and reflect on with similar fond memories, and wish to be seen and remembered as, someone who made a profound and lasting impact on such a wonderful charity.

I also plan to work my entire career at Hospice IOM and retire at a similar time as my work-wife Bexs Owen, another nurse who plans to commit their career to Hospice IOM (we have plans for a pretty epic celebratory cruise!).

10. Do you have any highlights, stories or favourite memories you would like to share about your time here at Hospice Isle of Man?

I have so many wonderful memories of my time at Hospice; very special moments shared with patients and their families, belly-laughing till I cry with my incredible nursing colleagues, the best roast potatoes I’ve ever had (Thanks Gill!) and many more- too many to pinpoint really.