Working Life: ‘While I take patients’ bloods, I put them at ease and have a chat’

Aoife Commins, staff nurse, Infectious Diseases Clinic, Galway University Hospital

Aoife Commins, staff nurse, Infectious Diseases Clinic, Galway University Hospital

7.45am

I’m not a morning person, so I get up as late as possible. I usually jump straight up when my alarm goes off, get dressed, brush my teeth, and out the door.

8.30am

Depending on the day, I start at 8.30am or 9am. If it’s an HIV clinic, it’s an earlier start. The doctor generally sees patients and then comes in to see the nurses. We check their weight, blood pressure, and, if any vaccines are due, we give them. Then we take some bloods. We generally check a patient’s liver and kidney function, and viral load to see if it remains undetectable. As long as an HIV patient is taking their prescribed antiretrovirals, they will remain in good health and cannot pass on the virus to anyone. We call this ‘U = U’, or undetectable equals untransmissible. A sexual health screen is also offered to anyone who wants one.

10.30am

A quick breakfast of tea and toast and then back to the busy clinic. 

1pm

Lunchtime. I usually sneak away somewhere quiet during lunch and read my book.

2pm

Today, a new patient arrives to the clinic who seems nervous. While I take their bloods, I try to put them at ease and we have a good chat. My colleagues and I always aim to make our patients as comfortable and welcome as possible. Mental health is crucial for people living with HIV as this illness is highly stigmatised and many patients feel they can’t talk to anyone about it until they come to the clinic.

5pm

It’s time to finish up the clinic and head home but not before I meet my boyfriend at the gym for a quick workout session.

6.30pm

Home and straight to the shower. Once I’m cosy and warm in my pyjamas, it’s time to cook dinner and relax with my boyfriend. We usually watch our current favourite TV show or play some PlayStation together.

10.30pm

Time to get ready for bed and read for an hour before lights out and sleep.

• Aoife Commins is one of six HIV activists partnering with the HSE on ‘You, Me & HIV’, a new nationwide campaign to address misconceptions around HIV and help reduce the stigma experienced by people living with HIV in Ireland. For more details, see HSE.ie/HIV