A day in the life...

Princess Alice Nurse Diary

8:30

Morning Case Conference. Pick up overnight phone messages from the night nurse. Ring patients and carers to see if my help is needed; re arrange diary if any urgent visits required.

9:30

Admissions meeting - discuss an elderly couple who really need help. Husband very ill and wife struggling. Request stay at Hospice to control husband’s symptoms and look into support for the wife.

10:00

Call a patient who has just had news about their condition. Promise to visit tomorrow.

10:30

Drive to Surbiton to assess a new patient and meet the family – always takes longer. Explained medication to patient.

12:00

See nearby GP to discuss another patient’s medication, which isn’t going well. Agree on different approach and call pharmacy to let them know.

13:00

Sandwich in lay-by, then on to visit a family in Richmond. Patient having difficulty getting out of the bath will refer to the Occupational Therapist at Hospice, who can provide equipment and advice.

15:00

Unexpected visit to outpatient who is having problems swallowing – and panicking about her children, who are about to return from school.

16:00

Back to Hospice – lots of phone messages waiting. Reschedule tomorrow’s visits. Contact families about last minute problems. One of my patients is at the end of their life. Speak to family about whether patient wants to be at the Hospice or at home, patient choice is very important. Update District Nurse with plan.

17:00

Enter notes onto computer from the day. Go home!