A day in the life: Community Nurse Louise Cantwell
As part of our A Day in the Life series, we’re shining a light on #ourpeople who make a real difference across our organisation every day. In this edition, we meet Louise Cantwell, Community Nurse at TCP Homecare.
How would you summarise your role in the business?
As a community nurse with TCP I work with my team to bridge the gap between hospital-level care and the comfort of a patient’s own home. My role is to combine expert clinical practise with the warmth and familiarity of community-based nursing. We deliver a high standard of nursing care while supporting patients with a broad range of healthcare needs.
Before coming to work, what does your morning look like?
My morning generally consists of a quick cup of coffee and walking my dog before heading out the door.
When you arrive to work, how do you kickstart your day?
Because we work on the road a nurses day tends to look a little different. I normally check my emails to make sure everyone else is ok and that there haven’t been any changes to my schedule. Then I hop in the car and head to my first patient of the day.
On your journey home, do you listen to podcasts, music or are you enjoying some peace and quiet? If so, which podcast/song?
Because our job involves driving to and from patients houses, I spend a lot of my time in the car and need something good to pass the time. One of the girls on the East nursing team recommended the podcast ‘Lines of Enquiry’ and that has been my go-to ever since.
What’s your favourite aspect of your job?
Nursing with TCP is very diverse, no day looks the same. I love meeting new patients and learning new skills.
What is one thing you wish you could have told your younger self before embarking on your chosen career path?
To embrace the versatility of nursing. In college nurses are made to believe that you need to work in hospitals to make a real impact and keep up your skills, but it couldn’t be further from the truth. I wish I had of know earlier how rewarding it is to provide a high level of nursing care in the comfort of a patient’s home. You have the time and means to make a meaningful impact on patients’ lives.
Can you share one piece of advice for a new starter about to join the business?
Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Starting any new job is always a daunting experience. When I first joined TCP, I worried that changing into a role as a community-based nurse would I mean I wouldn’t have as much support as in a hospital-based setting. I couldn’t have been more wrong. No matter how big or small the question or problem there is always someone to help. TCP has a really supportive team and it made my transition into my role in the company really easy.
Being customer-focused is one of our core values—what’s a memorable way you’ve made a customer’s day?
Providing patient centred care is a key aspect of nursing and one I integrate into every aspect of my day. We are often visiting patients that have been through a tough time and showing kindness and compassion goes a long way to help ease a patient’s burden. Whether that means being flexible and understanding, taking extra time to explain procedures, or simply by making the time to have a conversation with a patient and get to know them and their story. By personalising our care as nurses and understanding what it is each specific patient needs, we can ensure each patient is supported and satisfied. I often find myself getting to know not only the patient but also their family and support system, this really helps me personalise their care and build a good professional relationship with patients and families.