As a Dorothy House nurse, you will be an integral part of our clinical team, rated as ‘Outstanding’ by CQC. We have roles based out in the community or on our inpatient unit. You will use a patient-centred approach to assess, plan, implement and evaluate patient care. As well as co-ordinating care, you will provide emotional and psychological support to patients and carers.
Kate Tyas, a nurse on our inpatient unit in Winsley, shares her thoughts on working in end of life and palliative care
What made you want to work in end of life care?
Even before working for Dorothy House, I have always had a passion for end of life care. To provide a high standard of care at any time during a patient’s life is important, but it is essential at the end of their life. You only have one chance to get it right.
What made you want to work for Dorothy House?
I had first-hand experience of the wonderful work of Dorothy House when they looked after my mother in her home, and then a few years later when my brother spent his last days on the inpatient unit.
After knowing how important the care Dorothy House provides really is, when a vacancy for a registered nurse on the inpatient unit became available, I did not hesitate.
The last seven years have truly been the best years of my long nursing career, both professionally and personally.
What is the best thing about your job?
As part of a fantastic multidisciplinary team, we ensure that the patient their friends and families are able to have the time, space and peace they require to plan for the life they still have to live.
It is a privilege to work with patients and their families at such a vulnerable time. By listening to their hopes and fears, by providing information and discussing options, my colleagues and I allow the patient to make their own decisions about how they would like to be cared for in their final months, weeks or days.
As a nurse, I have time to spend with the patients and their families. I provide timely symptom management and discuss any fears they may have, helping them to achieve a peaceful death.
Although there are tears on the unit, there are laughs too. Birthdays, anniversaries and weddings are celebrated. Pizza nights, film nights and fishing trips arranged. The inpatient unit has been visited by dogs, cats and horses! The grounds are beautiful even on a rainy day and are enjoyed by both patients and staff.
I am very proud to be a part of, and supported by, the Dorothy House family.
What would you say to someone considering working for Dorothy House?
Do it! The opportunities are endless.
I now combine being an inpatient nurse with a role in the Education team as a practice educational facilitator. This dual role involves placing and supporting students, and teaching on our varied internal training programme, ensuring we can continue to look after our patients and their families in the future.
If you are still not sure, why not ask to spend time with us to see the wonderful work we do, and the fantastic team we are!