As the COVID 19 situation in Ireland worsens, the pressure on our hospitals has never been greater. With this in mind, I thought we needed to hear what life on the front line is like today. Who better to speak to, then my very own cousin, who is now based in University Hospital Limerick. Derek came on to The Big Nose podcast, to speak to me about his journey in nursing.

In this week’s episode, you will hear how Derek found himself on a path to a most unlikely career as a nurse. He recalls how “holidays” to Lourdes played a very pivotal role in his formative years. Derek reflects on how when one door in life closes, it often allows an another one to open. Listen in to find out exactly what happened.

In his pursuit in nursing, Derek had to leave Ireland to get his qualification. Derek details the options he had, challenges he came up against and ultimately what life was like living in London as a student nurse.

Coming home in the early 2000's. Derek talks about a hectic lifestyle of a medical profession. Finding a place to live, a busy family life and the need to adapt to an Irish way of delivering health care which was very different to what he found in London.

Listen in to hear Derek talk about what life is like for a senior Emergency Department nurse and his wider team. He explains in detail, how the Emergency Department functions in UHL. Given the size of the catchment area, Derek explains how quickly the situation can escalate. Derek gives an insight into the mindset sometimes required to face such horrendous circumstances on a daily basis.

Talking on the impact of COVID 19, Derek gives a first hand, raw account, of how exhausting the past 10 months have been. He talks about how standard operating procedures have had to change, how first instincts had to change in the delivery of care and how sometimes, the role of playing God, is a reality for them. Listen in to hear Derek speak so frankly about the unenviable situation he finds himself in now.

In truth, this chat with Derek was very much an eye opener to the realities of the people behind the desensitised phrase "front line worker". They have real frustrations, real fears and real personal circumstances that come into the equation when having to go to work.

If you listen to nothing else this week, listen to the words Derek speaks. He delivers his story in such a simple way that anyone can understand the points he is making. The story he shares gives a terrifying example of what life is like for teams at the cold face of this battle.

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