Sponsor a Nurse: Julie's story

Julie Lucas became Head of the Inpatient Unit (IPU) in April. She joined the team eight years ago as a senior staff nurse and has worked in palliative care since 2008. Julie answered some questions about her role and experience of leading the IPU.

What do you want to bring to your job as Head of IPU?

"I'm lucky to have the most enthusiastic, supportive and brilliant team. I want to be a good role-model for them - inspiring, innovative and there for them. I hope to be bold, in the sense that I won't avoid something just because it's difficult."

How would you describe the job of a hospice IPU nurse?

"We can have such a positive and powerful impact when patients and their loved ones are going through some of the worst experiences of their lives. We can hopefully take that burden from them a little and make it more bearable.

"Our work is dynamic and challenging. We're dealing with specialist medication that requires careful consideration and calculation. We also need to be able to react quickly to changing situations: one minute we can be dealing with an urgent medical issue, and the next we can be sitting quietly with a family who's loved one is about to die.

"We can help to make inspirational things happen. I remember one patient who didn't want a big funeral or for people to be sad. We helped to arrange the most fantastic party for her in the hospice garden and moved her bed outside. Her friends and family came, and they brought guitars and everyone sang songs together. It made her so happy."

What plans do you have for the IPU?

"Our hospice care is rated 'Outstanding' by the Care Quality Commission and of course, I want to ensure we maintain those standards. But we never stand still here. There are always things to learn and new ideas to try as we strive to achieve a truly exceptional service.

"For example, we're looking at ways to improve the process for nurses to handover to their colleagues. It's important that they continue to share with each other the essential information about the patients in their care. But it's also important that they finish their shifts on time, to allow them time to rest and recuperate.

"We're also looking at ways to make IPU a more inviting and informative environment and ways to work more collaboratively with other colleagues in the hospice."

What else is important to you apart from your job?

"This job teaches you about the importance of grabbing life now. My husband and I are blessed with two fantastic children and two grandchildren who give me a great deal of joy. I love being outside - I love my garden and trips to the seaside. These are the things that feed my soul and help me to do my job to the best of my ability."