Caroline Cleaver is a proton beam liaison nurse at Manchester Children’s Hospital and CCLG member, whose twin sister was diagnosed with leukaemia when they were 19 years old. She tells us how this inspired her career in children’s cancer nursing and what helps her build relationships with patients and families under her care.
When my sister was diagnosed with cancer, it changed our lives, launching us into the unfamiliar world of treatment and busy hospitals. Over two-and-a-half years, we built great relationships with many professionals, particularly nurses. You could tell being a nurse wasn’t just a job – it was so much more than that. They showed so much empathy and compassion and offered us all the time we required when we needed a minute to talk or cry. They supported our whole family, not just my sister. It really was family-centred care.
The nurses were with us the whole way through the journey – the good, bad and ugly – and we wouldn’t be where we are today without them. They inspired me to change my career path and, after talks with them, I applied for children’s nursing and never looked back. I wanted to make a difference to people’s lives in the same way the nurses did for me, my sister and my family. I wanted to be able to offer hope to people in what’s often the worst times in their lives, to be there to listen to, support, care for and build trust with them.
Caroline (right) and her sister
Being a proton beam liaison nurse is unique. My day-to-day role includes ensuring those children who get admitted unwell or for planned chemotherapy can still get across for their radiotherapy. I aim to communicate well and make sure all patients have a positive experience. Having been a sibling of a teenager with cancer, it really helps me to empathise with and support families. I have a real understanding of what it feels like to be so close to someone going though treatment. I can understand how they’re feeling when they’re reluctant to say how they really feel, and I also think I know what they want to hear, and don’t want to hear, at different points in treatment. I really think it helps to have that deeper understanding when working with children going through treatment, and it’s a privilege to be able to support them and their families.
As professionals, if we have a strong relationship with families, they’ll put their trust in us and work with us to ensure they and their child get the best care and treatment. They’ll come to us for advice, reassurance and support that can help them with making decisions, some of which can be difficult ones, so it’s up to us to create a safe environment, and to take the time to listen and get to know children and their families.
For me, building good relationships with children, their parents and wider family is vital and starts with a smile. This and friendly, simple introductions go such a long way. I want everyone to know I’m approachable, friendly and always willing to help. Having a caring, compassionate nature and the ability to read the situation and communicate effectively is important to
building relationships. With children, it often helps to find a common ground - something they’re interested in and love to do. If you can share that interest, they often open up.
For patients and their families, communication is key
Be open and honest with us and talk to us whenever you need to. Even if you think the question is small or silly, we’re here to support you through a difficult journey. Just remember to keep talking, we always have time to listen. Take one step at a time because each day is a new day. There are so many people who care and will be there to support you every step of your journey.
From Contact magazine issue 104 | Autumn 2024
