"No two situations are the same"

As a palliative care nursing expert at Gesundheitswelt Zollikerberg, I look after people in long-term care and in retirement homes. Every day is different, every person has different needs. That's what I really like about my work.

I love the variety, being close to people and working independently. Intuition and experience help me to recognise people and respond to their needs. First and foremost, it's always about categorising a situation correctly and finding out what is really needed on my part. I have a catalogue of criteria in my mind's eye that helps me to look, listen and derive the desired measures. No two situations are the same. You need a sure instinct. And an attitude that puts the person at the centre.

Palliative care is offered in various areas of Gesundheitswelt Zollikerberg. From the hospital to "Visit Care at Home" and work with the elderly. I work closely with a team of nurses, doctors, chaplains, activation therapists, music therapists, physiotherapists and now also social workers. This creates a holistic perspective with an individualised approach.

Dr Katja Albrecht, head physician specialising in palliative medicine, is responsible for the palliative care ward and for "Visit Care at Home". Sabine Millius is responsible for palliative care throughout the foundation. She heads the specialist group, which meets four times a year to exchange ideas and realise joint projects. Last year, for example, an event was organised for the foundation's circle of friends.

Last year, I introduced the aroma care concept. For me, aroma care is a valuable addition to nursing care. It can calm, strengthen or simply do you good. It often creates a moment of well-being. Aroma care is intended to alleviate complaints, support the immune system and I see it as an enrichment and enhancement of nursing activities. The applications can include a calming or stimulating rub. Or a room fragrance that can evoke positive memories. I also give workshops on this, which are well received by the staff.

I also used to accompany young people in the dying process. These were often very emotional situations, which really got to me. The dialogue, support from the team or a ritual always helped me a lot to deal with it.

In my current job, I also regularly exchange ideas with Ursula Wiesli, an APN (Advanced Practice Nurse) care expert. That is very valuable. We also organise events such as case discussions or practical assignments on the wards.

Older people are experts in life and have experienced a lot and have a lot to tell. However, they are often lonely and are open to the trust and closeness that I offer them. I sense a lot of gratitude. That is priceless and is what makes this work so rich for me.

Insight into my day-to-day work

I usually start with a quick look at my emails and then prioritise my tasks for the day. On my way through the building, I enquire about new admissions or new palliative situations. Perhaps a resident has slept badly. Perhaps someone is quieter than usual or is simply having a difficult day. If necessary, I pop in for a quick chat.

Later, I'm on my way to a Spitex client. Her son is also there. We talk about what could happen next. Can the client stay at home with support or do we need new solutions? We discuss the options. Before we can make a decision, she falls and is hospitalised. Two weeks later, I'm sitting with her, the ward doctor, the nursing expert APN and her son at the discharge interview. Together we find a way for her to return to her retirement home with appropriate care.

In the afternoon, I lead a workshop on aromatherapy care in our yurt. We try things out, ask questions and explain. Theory is combined with practice. The participants immerse themselves in worlds of fragrance with lavender, Swiss stone pine and bergamot.

The following day there is a case discussion. Jean-Daniel Strub from the Neumünster Park Institute will be the moderator. The focus is on the tension between security and self-determination. Such encounters raise questions about life and show how valuable it is to reflect together.

In the evening, I take a moment for myself. I review the day, sometimes together with my line manager Rahel Wyss. We organise our thoughts, set new priorities and also take a lot away with us. My work gives me a lot, it touches and strengthens me.

What is important to me

Supporting people in the way they need it
To also hear what remains unspoken
Working in a team - together, not side by side
Having time. And to consciously take it
Making small things possible: a conversation, a scented journey, a walk