Working Life: Fenit is a lovely place to swim and the cold water really clears the mind
Mari O'Connor, Advanced Nurse Practitioner Dermatology at University Hospital Kerry pictured at work in Tralee. Photo: Don MacMonagle
My husband Mike is a dairy farmer, so every morning has an early start. I get lunches ready for my two children — Darragh (12) and Seánie (11) — and do a quick tidy around the kitchen and leave for work.
I live in Clounmacon, Listowel, 40 minutes away from University Hospital Kerry (UHK).
While no two days are the same, I always see my first patient for phototherapy at 7.30am to accommodate school-going children. Phototherapy involves using ultraviolet light to treat a range of skin disorders.
On a non-consultant led clinic day, I catch up on emails, paperwork, and return calls from outpatient clinics. I juggle this with scheduling appointments for future clinics and I also grab a quick lunch.
UHK is a spoke of the South Infirmary Victoria University Hospital (SIVUH) in Cork and dermatology consultants have six clinics here per month — four general clinics and two pigmented lesion clinics.
These are rapid-access clinics for suspected melanoma, a type of skin cancer. I assist in these clinics by providing education on signs of melanoma, how to inspect skin and photoprotection, as well as scheduling procedures.
I start an afternoon clinic where I see patients on systemic and topical treatments for acne, eczema and psoriasis. I monitor bloods, update prescriptions, deliver education, and provide support for my patients.
Once clinic is finished, I check for inpatient referrals and see inpatient consults.
After finishing up for the day, I head home, where I spend time with my children and listen to how their day went. I then get ready for whatever training may be on: football, soccer, or rugby.
While they train, I usually walk the dog, except on Wednesday during June, July, and August, when I go straight to Fenit for an open-water swimming class. Fenit is a lovely place to swim, and the cold water really clears the mind.
I get home, make suppers, and prepare for the next day, before heading to bed around 10.30pm
- University Hospital Kerry is running ‘See and Treat’ dermatology clinics, designed so patients are seen in person and, where possible, receive treatment on the same day.
- To protect and inspect against melanoma skin cancer, see hse.ie/sunsmart
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