Profile: Bernie, Irish Cancer Society Night Nurse

Bernie is an Irish Cancer Society Night Nurse, providing end of life care and support to cancer patients in the comfort of their homes during their last remaining days.

Originally from Athlone, Bernie has been a nurse for 34 years and became a Night Nurse for the Irish Cancer Society to allow her the time to deliver total nursing care during the patient’s precious last days.

“Night time is a lonely time, with less access to nursing,” Bernie said. “But we are a continuation of care services, bringing night and day together and allowing family to get rest so they can have better quality time during the day.”

Bernie feels very privileged to be present at such a critical moment in a person’s life, and finds it fulfilling that that she can make a difference in a positive way at such a time.

Bernie recalls one time when a 16-year-old boy was called to his dying grandmother’s bedside to be there when she passed. As the rosary was being recited, Bernie could sense the grandson’s nervousness.

“I got one of the already lit blessed candles place it in his grandmother’s hand. I placed my hand on his and gently placed it on his grandmother’s. Both were now holding and securing the candle. A few moments later I removed my hand. This is how he remained until she passed away.”

Bernie fondly remembers how thankful the young man was for her help.

A huge thank you to Bernie for sharing her story during Palliative Care Awareness Week.