The Handover

In this episode of The Handover, our host Erika explores a specialised service that supports people experiencing memory loss, changes in cognitive function and dementia, The Memory Clinic.With over 64,000 people in Ireland currently living with dementia, The Memory Clinic plays a vital role in assessment, diagnosis and the on-going care for these individuals and their families.We hear from Clinical Nurse Specialists, Claire Reilly and Katie Oakes, whose work in the clinic exemplifies compassion and truly person-centred care. Nearly half of all in-patients have some form of dementia. Whether or not you plan to work in the care of older person, developing skills to care for people with dementia is essential to nursing practice.

In this episode of The Handover, host Erika sits down with a staff nurse who faced a life-threatening experience during her internship when she developed sepsis. Katelyn shares her powerful story of being both the caregiver and the patient, offering a unique perspective on nursing from the other side of the bed. We explore the hidden aftermath of survival, including the impact of post-sepsis syndrome, and how this experience has shaped her practice, empathy, and outlook as a nurse. This conversation is not only about resilience but also about the importance of awareness, support, and understanding for patients recovering from sepsis and for the nurses who care for them If yourself, a loved one, or patient is showing signs of sepsis, please ask ‘ could this be sepsis?’ Signs and symptoms include:S – slurred speech or confusion,E – Extreme shivering or muscle pain, fever,P – Passing no urine (in a day),S – Severe breathlessness,I – It feels like you’re going to die ,S – Skin mottled, discolored, or very pale.Please see sepsisfoundation.ie for further information. 

In this episode of The Handover host Erika Jones is joined by an End-of-Life Care Coordinator, Bettina Korn, and student nurse, Thiago Silva, to explore the profound and transformative journey of supporting patients and families at the end of life. Together, they share heartfelt stories, practical insights, and reflections on the emotional and professional challenges of this critical aspect of nursing. From providing dignity in a patient’s final moments to helping families navigate grief, this conversation highlights the importance of empathy, communication, and teamwork in end-of-life care.  St James' Hospital Website: https://www.stjames.ie

Career Pathways in Nursing  In this episode of The Handover host Erika Jones sits down with an Education Facilitator and Nurse Tutor, Kevin McKenna, to dive into the varied career pathways available in nursing. From postgraduate opportunities to specialisation and leadership roles, discover how to shape your career. Whether you're just starting your journey or planning your next steps, this episode is packed with advice and insights to help you thrive. St James' Hospital website: https://www.stjames.ie   

In this episode of The Handover host Erika Jones speaks with Elrey Janolino a Candidate Advanced Nurse Practitioner (cANP) in Surgical Dermatology about his journey into this specialty and the crucial role it plays in the promotion of skin health. He also discusses the importance of the Sun Smart campaign, sharing expert tips on skin protection, early detection, and raising awareness about sun safety. Whether you're a student nurse or simply looking to learn more, this episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about dermatology and preventative care.  St James' Hospital website: https://www.stjames.ie

In this episode of The Handover host Erika Jones chats with two newly graduated student nurses; Blessing Adejumo and Abbie Prendergast. They share their personal stories, challenges, and triumphs from their internship experience. From navigating clinical practice to preparing for life as registered nurses, hear their valuable advice for students at all stages of their nursing education. St James' Hospital website: https://www.stjames.ie

In this episode of The Handover, host Erika is joined by guests Michael Hevey, Mental Health Advanced Nurse Practitioner (ANP) and Jess Sears, an Advanced Nurse Practitioner in Inclusion Health. Together, they explore and discuss how advanced nursing practices have championed patient care in diverse and disadvantaged populations. Michael and Jess both discuss their career journeys, the various experiences they have encountered supporting some of the most vulnerable patient groups and the importance of inclusive healthcare services. This episode kicks season two off with valuable insights into how advanced practices have reshaped the future of nursing and healthcare, and ultimately see better patient outcomes.

In this episode of The Handover, host Erika reflects on the importance of understanding and addressing the unique healthcare needs of those in the LGBTQIA+ community in celebration of PRIDE month. Speaking with Erika in this episode is James O’Hagan, LGBT Champions Training Coordinator with LGBT Ireland. James gives the listener some personal background as well as an insight into LGBT Ireland, all the while framing the importance of acknowledging and validating the experiences of people in the LGBT community who have to navigate the Irish healthcare system. 

In this episode of The Handover, host Erika speaks with Stoma Care Nurse here in St James’s Hospital, Tony Galvin. Tony details the route he has taken in his nursing career to get to where he is in stoma care today, and speaks about a range of different topics. Some of the topics touched on throughout the conversation include feeling pressure to choose a nurse specialty early in your career, what he loves about stoma care in particular, and the importance of having role models.Tune in to this conversation to get an insight into the work of a specialist stoma care nurse here in St James’s Hospital, filled with great advice for young nurses, and poorly quoted lines from Serena Williams, for some reason…