The transforming power of palliative care – A Nurse’s experience

The transforming power of palliative care – A Nurse’s experience

– Ms. Suchetna, New Delhi

My name is Suchetna, and I work as a palliative care nurse at the Pain and Palliative Outpatient Department (Pain Clinic) of Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute and Research Centre (RGCIRC). My journey in nursing began when I completed my General Nursing and Midwifery (GNM) program at Moolchand Hospital, Delhi, in 2020. A year later, I started my career at RGCIRC, which has been my first and only workplace.

Choosing to work at a cancer institute was deeply personal for me. I lost my grandmother to cancer when I was too young to understand what the disease meant. Her battle left a lasting impression on me, and it planted the seed of wanting to help others facing similar struggles.

Initially, I was posted in the Haematology Ward, where I cared for post-bone marrow transplant patients and children with blood cancer. It was here that I first witnessed the immense courage of patients and their families. Yet, I also noticed the gaps in addressing their emotional and physical pain. This curiosity led me to explore palliative care—a speciality that focuses on improving the quality of life of patients with serious illnesses. I discussed my interest with my seniors, and they encouraged me to join the Pain Clinic. It was here that I began working as a coordinator under Dr. Kinshuki, the head of the department. She has been a true role model and mentor. She not only guided me in transitioning from a staff nurse to a palliative care nurse but also taught me the essence of palliative care. She showed me how this field isn’t just about alleviating pain—it’s about transforming the lives of patients and their families, even as they face the most challenging moments. Under her guidance, I pursued formal training to deepen my understanding. I completed the Certificate Course in Essentials of Palliative Care (CCEPC) from AIIMS Delhi and the ELNEC (End of Life Nursing Education Consortium) program. I also completed the Advanced Nursing Skills in Palliative Care (ANSPC), a virtual training program. Each of these programs has been a stepping stone in my journey, equipping me with the skills and confidence to provide comprehensive care.

Some of the most unforgettable moments of my career have come from the personal connections I’ve formed. A young mother and her daughter stands out in my memory. She was caring for her father, who was a cancer patient, while also raising her one-year-old baby. She was exhausted—physically, emotionally, and mentally. One day, during a counselling session, she broke down and said, “Thank you so much for inspiring me and helping me. You are not just treating patients—you are healing their families too.” Her words reminded me that in palliative care, our support often extends far beyond the patient.

Another experience involved a 27-year-old woman whose husband appeared very caring during hospital visits. But over time, I learned he was only fulfilling social obligations and wasn’t supporting her at home. When I started gently speaking with the patient in follow-up visits, she slowly opened up. She shared her emotional pain, her isolation, and her fears. We discussed her needs, adjusted care plans, and connected her with the home-care team. Her husband began to engage more actively in her care. One day, she looked at me and said, “Thank you so much, sister. Because of your support—and Dr. Kinshuki’s—I feel stronger. Even if my disease can’t be cured, my life and my experience of this journey have changed forever.”

Palliative care has profoundly changed my perspective on life. It has taught me the importance of empathy, the value of listening, and the significance of small, meaningful actions. Every patient I meet reminds me of the resilience of the human spirit, and every family teaches me the power of love and support. Today, I feel privileged to be a part of this field. As a palliative care nurse, I strive to bring comfort, dignity, and compassion to my patients. This role has not only enriched my career but also shaped me as a person. It has made me more mindful, more grateful, and more determined to make a difference.

To anyone reading this, I hope my story inspires you to see the beauty of palliative care. It is not just a profession—it is a calling to bring light into the darkest moments of life.