Working Life: The night nurse service allows people to die at home peacefully, with their family

Joan O’Neill, night nurse, Irish Cancer Society

Fri, 13 Mar, 2026 - 01:59

Catherine Shanahan

“My grandmother was a nurse in the North Infirmary in Cork, and even though I never met her, I was always interested in nursing. It was hard to get into at the time. I studied arts at UCC for a year, followed by a year working in the kitchen in the Bons.

“I subsequently got a training place in Beaumont Hospital in Dublin. Back then, most training was on the wards, and the remainder was theory. It’s the reverse now.

“At the time, Beaumont was the country’s newest hospital, and there were 44 of us in the group of 1989. We received great training, but had a great time too.

“I loved Dublin, but I’m from North Kerry, and the weekend commute was a killer. I moved to Cork in 2003 and worked in Cork University Hospital (CUH). When I retired two years ago, I was manager of the chemotherapy centre, the Dunmanway unit. I loved it, but I did find that management takes you away from actual nursing.

“I became aware of the Irish Cancer Society’s (ICS) night nurse service when my mother was terminally ill. In her final days, my brothers and I cared for her at home. The palliative care nurse and public health nurse could see we were exhausted and suggested the night nurse service. I was initially adamant we didn’t need it.

“When I came around to the idea, I couldn’t believe how fantastic the night nurse was.

She took over the care and gave us the reassurance we needed to get a night’s sleep.

“She subsequently suggested that I get involved in the service, as I was due to retire. I was reluctant at first, but realised it would bring me back to why I chose nursing: to care for people.

“It’s an immensely satisfying role to go to people’s homes and to show them that their loved one is in capable hands and that it’s OK for them to get some rest.

“It’s the only service of its kind in the country, and it allows people to die at home peacefully with family. It’s funded by donations and, as the ICS celebrates 40 years of service this year, we hope people will continue to support our invaluable work on Daffodil Day.”