Shannon Duddy, community palliative care nurse at Ardgowan Hospice, began her nurse training by studying Social Care at college straight out of school.
That led Shannon to work supporting young adults with learning difficulties and epilepsy. It was a role that taught her patience, empathy, and the power of communication.
(Image: Contributed)
She said: “Later, I moved into nursing homes, supporting older adults with complex needs. That’s where I started to feel a drive to develop my skills and do more.
“In 2016, I made the leap and began my nursing training while working as a healthcare assistant in hospitals and the community.
“Even as a child, I wanted to be a nurse.
“I used to walk around with my mum’s stethoscope pretending to check everyone’s heart.
“For me, nursing was never just a career, it was a calling, and one I feel incredibly privileged to follow.”
After qualifying in 2019, Shannon cared for patients from diverse backgrounds, many of whom were nearing the end of their lives and often had no family by their side.
It was in those quiet, difficult moments that Shannon discovered her passion for palliative and end-of-life care.
(Image: Contributed)
With this new passion blooming, Shannon returned to working in general medicine with a focus on cardiology for the next five years, to develop her core nursing skills.
She told the Tele: “The best part of nursing, for me, has always been the connection you build with your patients.
“Getting to know who they are, understanding what matters most to them, and tailoring their care around their individuality.
“That’s what makes the job so special.
“My years of experience led me to where I am now, working at Ardgowan Hospice. From the moment I arrived, I knew it was where I was meant to be.
“Ardgowan has helped me build a personalised development plan, and I’ve felt truly invested in, every step of the way.”
Earlier this year, Shannon was presented with the opportunity to join the hospice’s community team as a clinical nurse specialist and states that it has opened the door for her to develop further within palliative care.
The hospice nurse goes on to explain that her roles have changed quite a bit since moving from a staff nurse position in the inpatient unit to working as a clinical nurse specialist in the community.
In the inpatient unit, Shannon was part of a team delivering high-quality, hands-on care to patients with life-limiting conditions who required symptom management or were approaching the end of life, all within a fully supported environment.
Now, in the community, she works more independently, supporting patients and families in their own homes.
The role involves more planning, problem-solving, and learning how to communicate with a wide range of people while working with local multidisciplinary teams.
Shannon says one of the greatest joys of working in the community is being welcomed into people’s homes and lives.
She said that patients’ personal spaces are filled with photos, memories, and stories, and the nurses recognise and value the privilege it is becoming part of their inner circle.
For many who don’t have family nearby, an Ardgowan Hospice community nurse may be the only person providing that support.
She added: “It often reminds me of my time working on wards during COVID, when we became like a ‘nursing family’ to patients.
“I strive to do everything I can to help people celebrate life in the way that’s best for them, bringing comfort, dignity, and joy to each moment we share.
“During my time at Ardgowan Hospice, I found myself reflecting on everything this profession has given me—and everything we, as nurses, give to others.
“We walk, sit and laugh beside people during their most vulnerable and significant moments. We listen, support, advocate, and care. It’s not always easy, but it’s a privilege I’ll never take for granted.”
Shannon has shared her story with the Tele as the country marks hospice care week, and ahead of the hospice’s ‘go purple’ day on Friday, which seeks to raise awareness about the charity’s vital services.
To find out more about ‘go purple’ day, visit the hospice’s website.