Working Life: Deirdre Quaid, acting director of nursing

8.30am: I like to get in early to West Kerry community hospital to give myself time to respond to any exigencies that have arisen overnight, such as maintenance issues.

I am responsible for overall maintenance on the site, which, in addition to our 46-bed community nursing unit, also houses a primary care centre and a mental health unit. I try to touch base with the night staff before their shift ends at 8.45am.

9am