An angel on our shoulders... Irish Cancer Society night nurse retires after 21 years

Gladys Brownlee, who retired two weeks ago from her job with the Irish Cancer Society, will forever hold a special place in the hearts of many Meath families.

Gladys worked as a night nurse with the ICS for 21 years, helping many Meath patients and families through long nights in their loved ones final hours.

Gladys, who is from Armagh, spent the past 21 years travelling to the North East at night to sit with cancer patients through the nights, providing crucial pain relief, solace and companionship to those facing death, as well as comfort and support to the heartbroken loved ones they were leaving behind. Gladys supported 555 nights of care during her tenure, providing end-of-life care to people in their homes. While she is looking forward to a well earned rest, Gladys said she enjoyed the last 21 years and found them so rewarding. "The last few days of anybody's life is memorable. It is such a privilege to care, support encourage and advise during that period. "When caring for a patient, I always thought, what if it was your mother or father in the bed, How would you want them to be treated?"

Gladys trained as a nurse in Belfast and worked in general nursing, neurosurgery, midwifery and neo natal before she started work with the Marie Curie Foundation and then The Irish Cancer Society.

Living about five miles outside Armagh city, her commute to work at night was a lengthy one. "It was all good roads though and I enjoyed it." Caring for a loved one with cancer can be physically, emotionally and mentally exhausting and night nurses take the weight off making all the difference to the families.

"Families caring for their loved ones are so appreciative when you allow them come away, relax with their family and get a good night's sleep. They know you will waken them if there is any change in the patient's condition.

"It is so rewarding when they wake up in the morning refreshed and rested for the next day.”

In caring for the patient, Gladys says it is important to consider patients wishes and likes. "Being ready to listen is vital. Let them verbalise their fears and worries."

A memory that has stuck with her over the years is that of a man who had asked her to read to him. "I sat close beside him and read clearly and slowly and he was soon peacefully fast asleep. I read on but then decided to stop, so as not to disturb his sleep. All was silent, until without opening his eyes he said 'you didn't finish the chapter'. I gladly did as he requested and finished reading.

"This made me reflect and think that a patient may have their eyes closed and appear to be asleep but they can be hearing all that is said. It is so important to be aware of that."

Gladys says that working in palliative care has made her appreciate life. "I often came home from work to my husband and said be thankful you are alive."

She is looking forward to retirement, but it will be a busy one. "I'm learning the concert flute, I'm a member of a walking club, I'm talking art classes and childminding."

"I'll miss the work, but I won't miss sitting up all night."

The Irish Cancer Society is currently actively recruiting Night Nurses to cover Meath and surrounding counties. They are seeking registered nurses with palliative care experience. Interested parties can email their CV to recruitment@irishcancer.ie or for informal inquiries contact Amanda on awalsh@irishcancer.ie.