Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall Hospice in Peterborough to open for careers information morning

It is not every day you get the chance to look behind the doors of a working hospice, but next week there is the opportunity to do just that.

Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall Hospice in Peterborough is opening its doors on Tuesday, February 28, for a careers information morning, giving nursing professionals the chance to get a glimpse into what it is really like to work in palliative care.

And Sue Ryder staff working at the Longthorpe-based hospice hope the move will bust myths many people hold about the role of a hospice nurse.

Sophie Brew, inpatient unit manager at Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall Hospice said: “I want people to know that it is not all depressing. It is not all doom and gloom, and it is really rewarding. You go home every day knowing you have helped somebody – the patient or their family. We keep morale high, we support each other and knowing we have made a difference is really uplifting.

“I am just so passionate about my job. I love it. I am sat here talking about what I do with a big grin on my face. That’s why I find it so sad to think that there are people out there frightened to take that first step into working in palliative care as they have a tainted view of it.

“Don’t write a career in palliative care off because it sounds depressing – speak to someone about what it is really like, we are all very friendly.”

Head of clinical services, Susan Shackleton hopes by opening the hospice doors many more people will see just what a rewarding career this specialist area of care offers.

“Working in palliative care really is a different type of nursing,” Susan adds. “Each person, each situation and each family we care for is unique and we all work together as a team at the hospice to support them individually and this can be massively rewarding.

“We are not just about death, dying and holding hands at the end of life. Palliative care is a true specialism focused on pain control, expert symptom management and psychological, social and emotional support.”

Tours of the hospice and inpatient unit, the chance to speak directly to staff already working in palliative care and the opportunity to be interviewed on the day will all be on offer alongside refreshments.

To find out more or register for the Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall Hospice careers information morning on Tuesday, February 28, between 10am and 1pm visit www.sueryder.org/careersday or email healthcare.recruitment@sueryder.org