Five Minutes with Nurse Vicki: Sponsor a Nurse Q&A
Every day, our nurses bring comfort, dignity and expert care to people living with a life-limiting or progressive illness. Our Sponsor a Nurse monthly giving programme ensures compassionate support is always available to families in our community, right when they need it most.
We spoke to Vicki, one of our nurses at the Living Well Services, to find out about what it is like being a nurse at Rowans Hospice. From the joy and laughter people often don’t expect to the privilege of supporting patients and their families, Vicki shares what hospice care means to her and why every day is so rewarding.
What is the most surprising thing about working at Rowans Hospice?
The most surprising thing for me is how much life there is in a hospice. Many people think hospices are only about sadness and the end of life, but the Living Well Centre is often full of laughter, conversations, creativity and connections. It’s a place where people come for support but also to enjoy life and try new things.
Can you tell me a moment that stands out in your work?
A moment that stands out for me is seeing someone come into the Living Well Centre feeling uncertain or quite isolated, and then watching this slowly shift. Seeing someone smile, join in an activity, share their story and leave feeling lighter than when they arrived can be such a powerful reminder of why what we do matters.
Can you describe a typical day in your role?
No two days are the same here, but typically this might involve welcoming people, checking in with how they are feeling, and assessing what kind of support they might need in that moment. We might help with emotional support, wellbeing, therapeutic groups or provide a listening ear. There could be creative, relaxation, education, gentle exercise sessions or supportive conversations over a cup of tea – all trying to help people live as well as possible.
Why did you become a palliative care nurse?
I became a Palliative Care nurse because I wanted to be able to care for people as the whole person, not just focusing on their illness. Palliative Care gives you the opportunity to make a real difference – helping people feel comfortable, supported and valued. It’s a privilege to be part of someone’s journey or to provide support to family members.
What does “dignity and comfort” mean in practice when you’re caring for patients?
For me, dignity means really seeing the person we are caring for. It means listening to their wishes, respecting choices, giving them time and making them feel truly heard. Comfort is about understanding what matters to them – this might be symptom management, helping them feel less anxious or simply making them feels cared for.
What is a small moment in your day that means everything to you?
It is the small things – a person saying they have really enjoyed a wellbeing group, seeing someone laugh when they have not felt like laughing for a while or watching people support each other.
What does “making someone comfortable” look like in your care?
It’s about looking at the person, not just the illness or condition. Comfort can be physical, emotional and social – it is about helping people feel cared for and not alone.
What is something people often don’t realise about hospice nursing?
People don’t realise how much hope, joy and connection there is in hospice care. It is not just about the end of someone’s life- it is about helping people make the most of the time they have, creating memories, supporting carers and families and being alongside someone when they need it most.
Vicki’s experiences are just one example of the compassion, expertise and kindness our nurses bring to every person and family they support. By joining our Sponsor a Nurse monthly giving programme, you will help ensure this vital care continues to be there for those who need it most.
Your monthly gift goes straight to supporting the care our nurses provide, helping them create moments that often matter the most—whether it’s providing medication so someone can be pain-free, being there for a family through all kinds of emotions, or simply offering a comforting presence during times of change.
You can help create more of these special moments by signing up to Sponsor a Nurse.