My Working Life: Shauna Burns

What is your role at Blackrock Health?

My role here at Hermitage Clinic is Clinical Nurse Specialist-Breast Care/Gynaecological Oncology. ?I work with a team of consultants to co-ordinate investigations, treatment therapies and patient follow-up. I communicate with patients, their families and /or carers daily as appropriate to assess their needs and provide relevant support, information, advice and counselling as required. I use my knowledge and expertise from my nursing degree and my more recent master’s degree in Women’s Health to help support women during a vulnerable period of their life. As a woman, I want to ensure our female patients feel empowered whilst in our care and to ensure that they feel confident upon discharge with their ongoing home care. ?

What time do you wake up in the morning?

I wake up at 6am on weekday mornings, get ready, grab a decaf tea and hit the road to the Hermitage Clinic. I usually listen to a podcast in the car to avoid stressing over the busy M50. Diary of a CEO is my favourite.

Do you have a morning routine when you get to work?

Yes, I try to have a routine when work allows. Some days urgent patient requests may take priority but for the most part I like to catch up with my colleagues in my office over a quick coffee. When this obligatory catch up is complete, I use information from my emails, electronic records and referrals from internal nursing staff to prioritise my day. I compile a daily tasks list, visit all in-patients under my service and communicate with their relevant consultants about their plan of care.?

How long have you been in this role?

I have been working as a CNS in Breast and Gynae Oncology for over one year. Prior to this, I worked as a Clinical Nurse Manager in the Pre-Assessment Clinic here in Hermitage Clinic for over two years. I thoroughly enjoyed my time in that department however, after completing my MSc in Women’s Health, I knew I wanted to change career paths and felt I could give a lot to this new role. ?I am a people person and therefore working in an area where I build up a rapport with patients over a longer time is very important to me.? I am very fortunate to have worked with amazing colleagues in both areas. I’m also thankful to work in a hospital where there is a great environment for internal progression and a place that has provided opportunities to progress my career on multiple occasions.

What is the last thing you usually do every day?

At the end of each day, I spend time collaborating with the team of nurses on the wards and in ICU, to make sure they feel confident in implementing the plan of care for each patient. Once I complete a final follow up with consultants, I close my laptop, pack my bag and head home for the day and try make football training/yoga class. All in an effort to support that work life balance.

What is the most rewarding part of your job at Blackrock Health?

The most rewarding part of my job is supporting women. My passion in life is women’s health. I feel very blessed to be in this role and at the frontline supporting our patients who are undergoing breast and gynaecology surgery/treatment. I feel very fortunate to be trusted by our patients during these vulnerable times and understand the responsibility I have to ensure they feel supported and safe. The most rewarding part of my job is when I hear patients tell me they feel much more reassured about their upcoming surgery and feel a weight lifted off their shoulders after speaking with me. I am a huge advocate for enhanced recovery and pre-op education. Although it may have taken a relatively short amount of time in my day, I appreciate the significance it has on each of my patients’ experience.

How does your role contribute to improving the patient experience at Blackrock Health?

The largest part of my role is support and guidance for patients pre and post-surgery. Be this practical advice regarding dressing changes, or emotional support offering an ear to listen to concerns and fears. I believe the acknowledgement of both practical and emotional support is paramount in the success of this service and improving patient experience, as patients feel heard and safe.

What is the greatest piece of advice you were ever given?

During a time where I was worried about making a life decision or putting myself out there, questioning myself, my abilities, scared if I would succeed or not, my mother would always say to me “what if it works out better than you could ever imagine?” I now use this advice in every aspect of my life!

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