Children's Hospice Week - Lauren Harrison, Nurse
To round off Children's Hospice Week 2024, we're honoured to share a story with you from Lauren Harrison, one of our amazing nurses.
Thank you so much to everyone that got involved with this week, whether through reading our stories, holding a fundraiser or donating to us, we are truly appreciative of each and every one of you.
“I am a senior learning disability nurse at Rebecca House and I will have worked here for 9 years in October (which has totally flown by).
There’s no typical day in my role here, every day is different. My shifts differ day to day depending on the children’s respite sessions; we provide day and overnight care within our unit and at home if parents/carers wish. If we need to provide end of life care or care after death then we become a 24/7 service ensuring we provide the highest standard of care to our children and their families.
A typical day of respite usually consists of coming in and checking which patients we have in for the day and if there are any particular jobs/meetings that need doing/attending. We check with the parents/carers if there have been any changes to their routine and medications and change them accordingly. Depending on the day I sometimes catch up on admin, will play with the children and/or go out on trips in our red bus or go for walks. At meal times we all try to eat together with the children at the dining table as we want Rebecca House to feel like a home-from-home environment as much as possible. We ensure that all their personal care needs are met during the day as well as making sure they have lots of fun.
There’s so many benefits of our care to the children. Although we are a clinical setting, we really want Rebecca House to be a home-from-home experience that is relaxing and fun-filled. Not only does coming in for respite give the families/carers a well earned rest, it also gives the children a new and different experience. We have our amazing sensory room where they can go to relax with our lights and soft play area, and our very own messy play room for arts and crafts. With the various pieces of equipment we have readily available, we can provide the children with opportunities that they may struggle to experience at home. Our service also allows friendships to blossom which we have seen so many over the years, and is truly wonderful to see and be a part of.
Every part of working here is truly rewarding. Supporting the children with their personal care needs (e.g. bathing and showering) is one aspect I find especially fulfilling as for some families it is not always feasible due to space, equipment or resources. It also allows the children to do some water play and for those who are wheelchair bound, a chance to do some physiotherapy and fully relax. We have an all-singing bath (literally!) with lights and jets which can make it an even more sensory experience.
Providing end of life care and care after death is another important and integral part of our service. Being part of such an intimate and difficult moment in a family’s life is an honour albeit emotional for all. Our Rainbow Room (cold room) is an essential service that we provide for all children island-wide and is not dependent on whether they have used Rebecca House. It allows us to support families in making precious memories and having that additional time with their child prior to their funeral. Being there for families, whether it be a shoulder to cry on or making lots of tea and coffee is invaluable.
I know it is quite rare for people to say they love their job but I honestly do, and it is an absolute privilege to care for the children, support the families and to work alongside my incredible team. Although there are moments that are particularly difficult, I truly enjoy my work and have lots of fun making special memories. I am so proud to be part of the Hospice family!”
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