“They Not Only Care For The Patient But They’re Support For The Family Too”: Irish Cancer Society Night Nurse Bernie Murphy Tells Us About Her Job

Team Her.ie is taking part in this year’s Flora Women’s Mini Marathon and we want YOU to join us.

We've created The Pink Brigade, where members of Team Her.ie and our beloved readers will take part in the mini-marathon in aid of the Irish Cancer Society. With so many charities in dire need of support, we'll be letting you know over the coming weeks why the irish Cancer Society is our charity of choice, and who you're helping when you run, walk or jog all over cancer!

To find out more about joining The Pink Brigade yourself, click here - we'd love to have you! 

This week we're chatting to Bernie Murphy, a night nurse with the Irish Cancer Society. She tells us a bit about her job and what it means for both patients with cancer and their families.

These nurses care for patients in their homes and they not only offer care and symptom relief to the patient but they also support the family, giving them advice and emotional support. The families that experience the service are overwhelmingly grateful to those nurses.  

What does the role of being a night nurse involve, Bernie?

Many people wish to remain at home in the safety, comfort and security of their own homes, surrounded by their loved ones. I feel strongly that those who make this choice should be given all the help and support they need to make this happen. 

I get a lot of satisfaction knowing that my role as a night nurse working with patients and their families in this situation makes this a more positive experience for them.

What difference have you seen the work of the Irish Cancer Society make in people's lives?

The Irish Cancer Society and the night nurse service offers great support and security to families. It's providing much more than the physical support of a nurse overnight.

The night nurse service gives the patient and their family the support and courage to continue as the main carer for their loved one.

In 2012 the Irish Cancer Society provided 7350 nights to cancer patients nationwide.

Find out more about this year's Flora Women's Mini Marathon here.