My name is Rachel, and I’m a Staff Nurse in the Inpatient Unit at ACCORD. I care for patients with life-limiting illnesses, managing symptoms, providing personal care, and offering comfort and dignity at the end of life. But hospice care is so much more than that - it’s about listening, reassuring, and supporting families through one of life’s hardest moments.

I first came to ACCORD as a 17-year-old student nurse with no care experience, and I wasn’t sure what to expect. I quickly realised a hospice isn’t just about death. it’s about living, it’s full of warmth, laughter, and incredible care.

It changed everything I thought I knew.

After qualifying, I worked in other areas, but my heart was always in palliative care. I reached out to Charge Nurse Alison Auld, interviewed, and was thrilled to join the team. Almost three years later, I’ve never looked back.

Although death can be a scary or an uncomfortable subject for lots of people I think ACCORD can help support patients and families to help carry them through these difficult times. Although the pain of death is no less it helps to have a team of people to support you on the way.

Being a part of this journey is a privilege as a nurse and to help patients and families - it may be something as small as being a hand to hold - this is what compassionate nursing is all about. I strive everyday to be a great nurse to help patients and families.

One of my favourite memories is helping a patient who loved gardening but was nervous about going outside due to oxygen therapy. With some gentle encouragement, we took a wheelchair and portable oxygen tank and went for a tour of the hospice grounds. We stopped by a blossom tree, placed flowers in our hair, and simply enjoyed the moment.

That’s what hospice care is about - bringing comfort in whatever way we can.

I know many people find the idea of hospice care daunting, but it’s about making the end-of-life journey as peaceful and supported as possible. Families don’t have to go through it alone. Sometimes, being a nurse is as simple as offering a tissue, a hug, or just being there.

Fundraising is vital to the care we provide - I see first-hand how donations directly support patients and families, from medical equipment to small comforts that make a big difference.

If I’ve learned anything, it’s that life is short, and the little moments matter. My advice to anyone considering hospice nursing? Follow your heart - I did, it’s the best decision I ever made.