EPC Staff Spotlight - Meet Nicole!

Nicole has been with EPC for nearly 5 years. Watch the interview (Length - 4:24) or continue reading below to learn more about Nicole and the life of a palliative care nurse at EPC.

What does your role involve?

I visit clients in their homes and provide symptom management advice and practical support right from when they are first referred and assessed through until end of life. This can look like medical advice, emotional support and hands on end-of-life care including subcutaneous infusions. 

Why did you pursue this role/career?  

Palliative care has been an interest of mine since I started nursing. I have found that caring for people with terminal conditions is the most rewarding for me. We can develop such a strong rapport with both clients and their families at this special time. 

What is something that stands out to you about EPC as an organisation?

EPC are so well known and our reputation is excellent. We have an extensive skill mix and specialist medical support readily available. I feel that the nursing cohort is also highly valued by senior management which is incredibly important to me in this field of work.  

What is something about you that others may not know?

I originally planned to go into the Police Force!  

What is the best part of your job and why? 

My favourite part of my job is when I’m rostered onto the office duty nurse role. I really enjoy leading the team and managing all incoming client issues/crises. You never know what is going to come in on the end of the phone.

What is the most challenging part of your job? And how do you deal/overcome this? 

The most challenging part of my job is looking after young children. Symptom management, emotions and family dynamics are often far more complex for these clients. Having young children myself definitely adds another layer to the challenge. I make sure that I debrief regularly and that as a team we share the care of these very special clients. 

Describe a typical day for you?

I arrive at work 30 minutes before my shift starts and the Inner team share breakfast together – we make sure to laugh a lot and really relax before we face the day. I then visit my clients in their homes – some are stable and not needing anything changed, others are more complex and need new medications or have entered the terminal phase (or end of life care) which then triggers another set of tasks that we complete in order to ensure that client and family are well supported.  I then return to the office to complete any notes/assessments/correspondence and hand over my findings to our clinical nurse consultant. 

Who inspires you? 

My inspiration is my dad. He raised my brother and I as a single parent yet still felt fulfilled and is happy. He supported me through 2 university degrees and the demanding nursing placements. 
I hope that I can be as successful and determined as he was, plus also a role model for my three daughters. 

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Stay tuned for the next Staff Spotlight Interview