Working Life: I take a call from a very upset daughter concerned her mother is more confused than usual

Cathy McHale, advanced nurse practitioner, Institute of Memory and Cognition, Tallaght University Hospital

Cathy McHale, advanced nurse practitioner,  Institute of Memory and Cognition, Tallaght University Hospital

8.30am

My workday starts with checking my voicemails and emails to address outstanding queries. I then meet an Atlantic Fellow from the Global Brain Health Institute to discuss the nature of our care and our work in the Regional Specialist Memory Clinic. I gain a lot from meeting with fellows from all over the world and hearing their approaches to brain health promotion and dementia.

9.30am

I meet with a trial participant in the clinical trials unit to conduct cognitive screening for a trial visit. Our service considers it important to always be involved in research. This way, we can attempt to shape the future of dementia treatment, especially at a time when disease-modifying drugs are not readily available.

10.30am

I prepare cases for our multidisciplinary team meeting, during which I join colleagues to form a working diagnosis and plan care. I discuss two complex urgent cases: one patient aged 54 and the other 79, reflecting the diverse nature of our caseload.

11.30am

I meet colleagues for coffee. We support each other in what can be emotive work.

Noon

At a team meeting, we discuss complex neuroimaging that has arisen since our last meeting. It’s a fantastic learning opportunity. 

1pm

I meet a new patient and their family. The patient is considered not only in terms of cognition but also mood, movement, nutritional status, and sleep quality. This meeting is a chance to welcome the family into our service and start the journey of diagnostic clarity with them.

3pm

I conduct a post-diagnostic clinic review of a woman diagnosed with Alzheimer’s six weeks earlier. It’s an opportunity to determine her understanding of the diagnosis, review potential side effects of medication, and signpost support for her and the family.

4pm

I conduct a brain health clinic review of a patient recently diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment. We enrol him in a 54-month programme with a personalised prevention plan.

5pm

I take a call from a very upset daughter concerned that her mother is more confused than usual. My role involves guiding families with such queries. Sometimes they need a voice they know and trust. My job is busy and multi-faceted. I’m honoured to work with our team in a wonderful family-orientated hospital.