Today marks International Nurses Day – a celebration of the vital role nurses play throughout mid and south Essex. From comforting patients in hospices to detecting early signs of cancer, these healthcare professionals combine expertise with compassion in every setting they work.
Nurses play an essential role in our healthcare system, supporting patients at every stage of life and in a variety of settings. Whether based in GP surgeries, hospitals, dental practices, hospices or out in the community, their care, knowledge and professionalism make a real difference to patients across mid and south Essex every day.
We spoke to local nurses from various healthcare settings who shared their reasons for choosing nursing.
Hospice nurses across mid and south Essex provide vital end-of-life care at Havens Hospices, Farleigh Hospice and St Luke’s Hospice. They offer specialised pain management, emotional support, and practical help to local families facing difficult times, ensuring patients spend their final days with dignity in familiar surroundings across our region.
Lucy Layzell, Sister Senior Nurse at Little Havens, was drawn to palliative care nursing after seeing the impact it had on her own family.
“I was drawn to palliative care because of my strong passion for supporting families through some of the most challenging times in life. Having experienced the benefits of good palliative care first-hand when a family member was being cared for at Fair Havens, I understand the importance of care that enables families to focus on spending meaningful time together.
“Supporting families starts with talking about the process, helping them know what to expect, and being there to listen, whether it’s sharing stories, looking at photos or offering a hug. We also try to ease the everyday pressures by helping with care tasks, cooking, or treating them to their favourite takeaway.”
Lauran Boulton, Clinical Nurse Specialist at Little Havens, shares some of the techniques she uses to support patients and the most rewarding aspects of the role.
“Allowing people to express how they truly feel and what their fears are is so important. Always be honest when they ask questions but also be mindful not to take away the hope that helps them get through the day.”
“Every day brings its own rewards. Knowing you have helped people when they are at their lowest, most dreaded times and made that a little easier to bear, or have provided comfort, helped ease pain or suffering. Families and the children make every day full of surprises, challenges and joy.”
Karen Bryan, Palliative Care Nurse at Farleigh Hospice, shares how she provides emotional support to both patients and families during difficult times
“It is important to communicate well, listen to the individuals needs and understand how they are feeling. Remember we are all individuals, and we manage situations in different ways, so it is important to be kind.”
“Asking the patient what matters most to them at the end of their life is one of the most supportive things I can do. This empowers them to retain a sense of choice and control over their care.”
General Practice nurses serve as frontline healthcare providers in surgeries throughout mid and south Essex. They manage chronic conditions prevalent in our local communities, deliver seasonal vaccination programmes, provide health education specific to regional needs, and increasingly take on advanced clinical roles to improve access to healthcare across our area.
Claire Dawson, Advanced Clinical Practitioner told us what inspired her to become a nurse.
“I was inspired to be a nurse when I was a child, nurses fascinated me and I had a naturally caring way, I always wanted to be a nurse and was determined to follow my goal!
“The role is so versatile and ever evolving. What keeps me passionate today is inspiring the next generation of nurses, making a difference to my patients lives and helping my local community with their health. Having the opportunity to work as an Advanced Clinical Practitioner in primary care enables me to be at the forefront of innovating patient care locally.”
Rhian Weir, Advanced Nurse Practitioner, shares what might surprise people about the scope and responsibility of modern practice nursing.
“I think people are often surprised that I’m able to not only handle clinical referrals and prescribing but still take the time to show empathy and treat them as individuals, not just focus on the issue they’ve come in with.
“I see patients of all ages with many types of conditions, long-term or acute. I help to triage patients every day, see patients in appointments and support my nursing colleagues.”
Dental nurses in mid and south Essex work alongside dentists to address our resident’s oral health needs. They assist with procedures, sterilise equipment, maintain patient records, and provide crucial reassurance to the many residents who experience dental anxiety, helping to improve oral health outcomes across our communities.
Annabel Stebbing, Dental Nurse, describes how good organisation is essential in the role of a dental nurse and shares some of the ways she helps patients who feel anxious about dental treatment.
“Teamwork is very important between the dentist and dental nurse. We have a good working relationship to ensure that the patient receives the best care possible, which also makes the day more efficient. Organisation is key to ensure all materials, laboratory work, equipment is set up and ready for treatments.”
“Many patients have a fear of the unknown whilst at the dentist. When seeing patients, I explain the procedure and reassure them whilst the dentist is carrying out the treatment. If a patient appears to be anxious, I will offer my hand to comfort them during the treatment.”
Lung cancer screening nurses deliver a vital service in mid and south Essex, where early detection efforts are helping to address higher-than-average lung cancer rates. They coordinate the local screening programme, engage with at-risk community members, and provide personalised support to patients throughout their diagnostic journey, improving survival rates across our region.
Martine Naylor, Lung cancer screening clinical lead, shares her nursing journey and the most rewarding parts of the role.
“I started nursing when I was 18 years old and I always knew that I wanted to help people and make a difference in their lives. Both my parents died of cancer at the age of 49, my mum from lung cancer, so I have always had a passion for palliative care and early treatment.
“The most rewarding aspect of working for the lung cancer screening programme is being able to give patients more time, empowering them to make plans sooner and have better control of their health.”
If you’re considering a career in nursing and want to learn more about available opportunities, visit nursing and midwifery page on the Our People, Your Future website.
Nursing and midwifery – Our people your future