Working Life: Nursing is not just what I do - it is part of who I am

Geraldine Mullen is an acute haematology oncology specialist and clinical nurse specialist at Letterkenny University Hospital

Sun, 23 Nov, 2025 - 14:24

Catherine Shanahan

“This October, I marked 30 years in nursing, and as I prepare for another Christmas Eve on duty, I reflect on the journey that brought me here.

“I’m originally from Co Galway and am now living in Moville. Nursing was always my first choice, but I took a thoughtful route. I completed a degree in sociology and social policy at UCD in the early 1990s before training in nursing through DCU and Beaumont Hospital. Those early years shaped my understanding of people, society, and vulnerability. After working overseas for a few years, I returned in 2002 and joined Letterkenny University Hospital 2003.

“In 2005, I found my true professional home in oncology, a specialty that became my passion. Oncology is more than a specialty — it’s a privilege. To walk beside someone during their cancer journey, help them through treatment, or give them precious time with loved ones is something I never take for granted.

“Completing my master’s in oncology in 2017 paved the way for a new chapter in the emerging field of acute haematology oncology (AHOS) in 2021. At that time, AHOS nursing was a relatively new concept within Irish cancer services. Five years on, every systemic anti-cancer therapy (SACT) hospital in Ireland (26 in total) has a dedicated AHOS nurse, forming a national network committed to giving every cancer patient equal access to expert care, regardless of where they are.

“The AHOS role is vital in supporting patients experiencing side effects or treatment complications. Six in ten who need to be reviewed in hospital after telephone triage can be treated and discharged home the same day, helping avoid unnecessary hospital admissions.

“Christmas Eve can be especially difficult for patients undergoing chemotherapy, who are trying to balance treatment with family life.

If I can help even one patient manage their symptoms safely and stay home with loved ones, I know my work has made a difference.

“Over three decades, countless patients have left their mark on me. Nursing is not just what I do; it is part of who I am. This Christmas Eve, as I put on my uniform, I will remember the many incredible patients I have cared for over 30 years — those still with us, and those whose memories remain close to my heart.”