I never leave home without a steaming cup of rich, aromatic coffee, which is essential for powering through my 50-minute commute from Clonakilty to the bustling corridors of Cork University Hospital (CUH).
After expertly parking my car offsite, I take pleasure in a refreshing 15-minute walk to work. This brisk stroll not only helps me decompress but also offers me a chance to mentally outline my agenda for the day. As an IBD nurse specialist, a pivotal part of my role involves keeping patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) out of the hospital. Much of my work revolves around virtual management; upon arriving at my office, I meticulously sift through queries sent in by patients via email, text messages, and phone calls, allowing me to prioritize and triage my caseload effectively.
The clinic officially kicks off. We meet with newly diagnosed patients, those currently undergoing treatment, and individuals returning for necessary reviews. On any given day, we can encounter anywhere from 50 to 80 patients, a mix of virtual consultations and in-person visits. A significant part of our mission is at the heart of education; since IBD is both a life-altering and potentially life-threatening condition, we strive to empower individuals to lead their best lives. We often tackle the stigma and embarrassment associated with bowel-related issues.
The IBD multidisciplinary team convenes after the clinic to delve into complex cases, strategizing effective treatment plans for our patients. We may recommend initiating new treatment regimens, thanks to several highly effective medications now available. Typically, our outpatients return for follow-up reviews every six months.
In my capacity as secretary of the IBD Nurses Association of Ireland, I have several important emails to address. Recently, I had the honor of representing our association on Gutcast, Ireland’s first podcast designed specifically for individuals living with IBD, developed in collaboration between Crohn’s and Colitis Ireland (CCI) and Johnson & Johnson.
The podcast serves as a vital resource, uniting healthcare professionals and those affected by the condition to share practical advice and insightful information.
You can tune in online at
janssenwithme.ie/gutcast
, as well as on popular platforms such as Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
With the workday behind me, I relish the chance to enjoy my commute home, reflecting on the day’s challenges and achievements.
The Coffee Chronicles: An IBD Nurse’s Journey Through a Day of Digestion, Diagnosis, and Disguising Embarrassment
Let’s face it, the true heroes of modern healthcare don’t wear capes; they wear scrubs… and perhaps an unfortunate coffee stain or two. Today we take a light-hearted but illuminating look at the daily life of an IBD nurse specialist. Buckle up, it’s going to be a bumpy ride – but luckily, when things do get bumpy, they’ve got the coffee to keep them caffeinated and their spirits high!
7:30 AM – The Morning Ritual
Our nurse starts her day not with a quick shower or an inspirational morning mantra, but rather by caffeinating herself into a state of productivity that would make a double-shot espresso weep with envy. Yes, folks—coffee isn’t just a beverage; it’s a liquid lifeline on her 50-minute commute from Clonakilty to CUH! Now, that’s a commute that calls for a strong brew.
After she parks offsite—because who wouldn’t want to play hide-and-seek with the parking gods—she enjoys a 15-minute walk to work. And while others might see this as a chore, she sees it as her moment of zen. A lovely way to de-stress you say? I say it’s just another opportunity to judgmentally analyze her fellow commuters.
9:00 AM – The Clinic Awakens
And just like that, it’s clinic time! Our intrepid nurse steps into a whirlwind of emotion and inquiries as she greets potentially 50-80 patients. That’s right—IBD doesn’t discriminate; it’s an all-you-can-eat buffet of bowel troubles. Who knew that ‘going out’ could be so stressful?
As she navigates a sea of new diagnoses and returning patients, our nurse doesn’t just dispense advice; she educates her patients, empowering them to tackle their life-changing, life-limiting conditions with aplomb. Spoiler alert: we can all agree nobody wants to discuss ‘issues with their bowels’ over dinner. Pass the peas, please!
1:00 PM – Lunchtime Shenanigans
But wait! Lunch doesn’t mean she gets to kick back with a pint—this is Ireland! Instead, she sneaks out for a quick walk. Because nothing says “I have time to relax” like inching your way towards sanity while buried under a mountain of work emails about “urgent patient care,” which, as any nurse would tell you, is code for “I’ve had a really bad day!”
4:00 PM – The Strategy Session
Fast forward to 4 PM, and our nurse’s team gathers to plot more than just patient management; they’re strategizing like a group of generals before battle! With new medications in their arsenal, these healthcare professionals combine forces to ensure their patients don’t feel like characters in a horror movie.
But before we get to the grand finale, it’s important to note that this nurse wears several hats, including the honorary title of Secretary of the IBD Nurses Association of Ireland. I don’t know about you, but that sounds like a title that comes with excellent coffee discounts!
5:00 PM – The Podcast Pioneer
The 5 PM clock nudges our nurse back into the digital realm where she responds to emails and lends her voice to Gutcast, the first podcast for people with IBD in Ireland. Can you imagine? Mixing healthcare with a berry smoothie of practicality and empathy—she’s practically the David Beckham of the IBD world! Tune in (and turn up) for some practical advice or get ready to hear all about those awkward bathroom moments.
6:00 PM – The Coffee-less Commute
As the evening rolls in, she wraps up for the day. And even though she may be exhausted, she carries the knowledge that she’s brought some hope and understanding into the lives of her patients. Smarter than your average bear and perhaps even as cheeky as a raccoon caught dumpster diving for leftovers!
So there you have it, folks! A day in the life of an IBD nurse combines a passion for healthcare with a dash of humor and an infinite amount of empathy. So, the next time you gulp down that morning cup of joe, raise your mug in honor of these unsung heroes navigating the road less traveled—preferably with a well-contrived plan and a heck of a lot of coffee!
Because if you think preparing for a diagnosis is easy, you’ve never tried managing a couple of dozen squirming patients with bowel issues! Until next time, remember: laughter may not cure all, but it sure does make the ride a lot smoother!
Tant to note that these professionals are not just healthcare providers; they are also educators and advocates. By emphasizing patient education, they help demystify the stigma associated with IBD. Together, they navigate the complexities of treatment options to ensure effective, individualized care.
5:00 PM – Afternoon Assignments
As the clock ticks closer to 5 PM, our nurse transitions from patient consultations to correspondence as the secretary of the IBD Nurses Association of Ireland. She’s busy tackling multiple emails, sharing knowledge, and advocating for her patients. She also finds time to reflect on her recent appearance on Gutcast, Ireland’s pioneering podcast for individuals affected by IBD. It’s not just about sharing practical advice; it’s about creating a supportive community where experiences and insights flourish.
6:00 PM – The Journey Home
As she wraps up her day, our dedicated nurse savors her commute home. This time isn’t just about putting distance between herself and her day’s challenges; it’s a moment to reflect on her accomplishments, reconnect with herself, and recharge for another day of making a difference. Through the twists and turns of each day, she embodies the spirit of care with a dash of humor and a hefty dose of resilience.
In a world where bowel health can often be a taboo topic, our IBD nurse specialist dons her scrubs with pride, tackling each challenge with empathy, knowledge, and of course, coffee. Her unique blend of medical expertise, patient advocacy, and a light-hearted approach reminds us that even in the face of serious health issues, we can find opportunities for connection, learning, and a healthy dose of laughter.
So the next time you consider the heroes in healthcare, remember they may not wear capes, but they definitely bring hope, understanding, and a willingness to help—one conversation at a time.
