A Night in the Life of a Palliative Care Nurse: A Conversation with Hilary Neville


Introduction

In a recent episode of our podcast, I had the pleasure of engaging in a profound conversation with Hilary Neville, a night nurse with over 25 years of experience in the community. We delved into her experiences working with palliative care patients and being present during end-of-life moments. This blog post aims to share the insights and lessons from our conversation.

The Role of a Night Nurse

One of the first questions I asked Hilary was what it's like to be with people who have died. It's a question many hesitate to ask, possibly out of concern for their own family members. Hilary expressed her gratitude for being able to be present during such significant moments in people's lives. She recalled her first night as a night nurse, where she arrived at an elderly man's home and confirmed that his wife had passed away. This experience highlighted the gap between the daytime community nurses and the night nurses, and the crucial role they play in providing comfort and reassurance during these difficult times.

Life Beyond Nursing

Hilary also shared her experiences working in a foreign country where she and her husband enjoyed a tax-free income and provided accommodation. Despite the fun and party atmosphere of the place, she acknowledged that it lacked a sense of reality and that people could reinvent themselves there. However, she always knew they would eventually come back home, which they did when she was expecting their first baby.

Balancing Motherhood and Nursing

As a mother of five, Hilary explained that working night shifts allowed her to be more present for her kids during the day. She also expressed her support for her children's decision to explore the world, believing it broadens their horizons.

The Emotional Toll of Palliative Care

When asked about the emotional toll of working with patients nearing the end of their lives, Hilary shared that she has never been afraid of death. She emphasized the importance of having support and outlets to offload the emotional burden of her work. She mentioned how she used to have a friend to talk to after the school run, and now she has a group of friends who connect through WhatsApp. They provide each other with support and understanding, which helps them cope with the challenges of their profession.

The Challenges and Rewards of Palliative Care

Hilary also discussed the challenges of being a nurse in palliative care. She sometimes feels like a politician because she has to navigate different expectations and understandings from different people. However, she also gets to hear the patients' life stories and experiences, which she believes are worth telling.

Words of Wisdom

When asked about words of wisdom, Hilary recalled advice she received as a first-time mother: to listen to the midwife and be open to guidance. She applies this principle to her work in palliative care, always asking patients and their families about their expectations and understanding of the situation before providing guidance or sharing her own thoughts.

Memorable Experiences

Hilary shared several memorable experiences, such as caring for an elderly lady for an extended period during the start of the COVID-19 pandemic and being present when a 101-year-old patient passed away, surrounded by her family.

Tokens of Remembrance

Hilary carries two significant items with her as reminders of her patients. The first is a set of three coins given to her by a patient she had formed a special bond with. The second item is a pin of a little hare, given to her by the mother of a baby she nursed during the COVID-19 pandemic. These tokens serve as a constant reminder of the profound impact her work has on the lives of her patients and their families.

Conclusion

Our conversation with Hilary Neville provided a deep insight into the life and work of a night nurse in palliative care. It highlighted the emotional toll, the challenges, and the rewards of this profession. It also underscored the importance of support, understanding, and open communication in providing the best possible care for patients and their families.

The Journey of Mark Duffy: From Drumming to Photography


Introduction

In our recent episode, we had the pleasure of hosting Mark Duffy, a professional landscape and commercial photographer. Mark shared his journey from being a drummer to becoming a successful photographer, his experiences with social media, and his insights on the music industry. Let's dive into the details of our enlightening conversation.

The Instagram Journey

Mark Duffy has grown his Instagram page to an impressive 48,000 followers, a feat that required an immense amount of work. He describes it as an obsession, emphasizing the importance of engaging with his followers and promptly responding to messages. Mark believes in the value of connecting with people and sharing his self-taught journey in photography, even if it doesn't always have a direct commercial benefit.

Despite not following the traditional advice of niching down, Mark posts a variety of photography genres on his page. He has also found work opportunities through Instagram, including collaborations with camera companies and commercial photography gigs.

The Learning Curve

Mark's journey in photography was not without its challenges. He discussed his experience studying music in college and the difficulties he faced finding information on specific terms and techniques. He emphasized the importance of having a mentor, especially when learning complex photography techniques like the Orton effect.

Mark often shares helpful links and resources with others who are learning, but he also encourages them to do their own research and make their own choices. This approach reflects his belief in the importance of self-learning and individual decision-making.

Collaborations and Reviews

Mark is an ambassador for a tripod company, a role that doesn't earn him anything from affiliate links. Instead, he receives equipment in exchange for content. He offers his followers discounts on the company's products, but also emphasizes their freedom to choose other brands if they prefer.

When it comes to reviewing products and creating content, Mark strives for honesty and authenticity. He prefers to have a thorough understanding of the product before creating content around it, even if it means taking longer to post videos. This approach ensures a more knowledgeable and authentic presentation.

The Misconception of Social Media Success

Mark and I discussed the misconception that having a large following on social media automatically leads to commercial success. Despite having a verified account and a significant number of followers, Mark explained that it hasn't translated into as much commercial work as he had hoped for. He believes the problem lies in not knowing what potential clients are searching for and that he hasn't had to advertise himself yet.

Mark shared an example of a video he did sarcastically, an unboxing video of wireless microphones. Despite using engagement hacking tactics to generate more comments and engagement, the video didn't result in any additional work or business opportunities.

The Shift from Music to Photography

Mark's decision to sell his drum kit and step away from gigging was a significant turning point in his life. He had been playing drums for over 20 years and had a deep passion for music. However, he felt more inspired and accepted in the fields of photography and videography.

Mark noticed that the music industry was changing, with fewer people learning instruments and more focus on production and technology. He decided to prioritize his love for photography and put his drums on the backseat.

The Impact of Drumming on Photography

Mark's background in drumming has had a significant impact on his photography career. Being a drummer taught him discipline and the importance of practice, which he now applies to his photography. He can spend hours perfecting a shot, taking hundreds of photos to get just a few usable ones.

Mark believes that his experience playing different genres of music has made him a more open and well-rounded person. He aspires to be remembered as one of the greatest photographers to come out of Ireland and constantly seeks to improve his skills and put his own unique spin on his work.

Conclusion

Mark's journey from drumming to photography is a testament to his passion, dedication, and hard work. Despite the challenges and misconceptions surrounding social media success, he continues to pursue his passion for photography and connect with his audience.

If you're interested in Mark's work, I highly recommend checking out his Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube. He encourages listeners to reach out with any questions they may have, except for one secret technique he calls "the glow," which he keeps under wraps.