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A nurse’s 20-year milestone at Very Special Kids
May 12, 2025
This year Rita is celebrating her 20th anniversary as a nurse at Very Special Kids — a milestone that reflects not only her professional commitment but also the compassion, resilience and deep empathy she brings to her role every day.
We sat down with Rita to reflect on her two decades, the joys and challenges of paediatric palliative care and the profound impact that working at Very Special Kids has had on her life.
What do you appreciate most about being a nurse?
For me, nursing is all about care and connection — embracing each child with a holistic approach. Every nurse and personal care worker bring something unique and together we combine our special skills to support children and young people in a way that truly meets their needs.
We do everything we can to make their stay as comfortable and joyful as possible, from using toys and games for distraction to picking up on subtle clues that help us stay proactive. Even though the faces on each shift may change, the bond children develop with our team is very special.
What inspired you to specialise in paediatric palliative care?
I wanted to be there for children at the most vulnerable time of their life, helping to ease pain and provide comfort. Supporting families through the different stages of their child’s end-of-life journey also requires deep empathy and compassion. Each experience is unique, and we are closely involved in every aspect of the child’s care, safety and complex needs.
In hospitals, care often feels quite task-driven, but in a hospice, it’s much more holistic. We’re trusted to make key decisions as a team, and parents often tell us how grateful they are for what we do and how we do it. It’s complex, but it’s also beautiful — an experience families can carry with them forever.
What does it mean to be celebrating 20 years at Very Special Kids?
From my perspective, it feels like I started just yesterday. Time flies, and I’m happy to be a nurse at Very Special Kids House. Being part of this community and team is fulfilling.
Sister Margaret’s dream was to have a place that would care for the most vulnerable children, and her legacy lives on in everything we do. Reaching 20 years is hard to believe, but I’m proud to do something I love. I’ve learnt there is always hope and we can ease the suffering of many families.
I do it because…
- I like it
- It’s a challenge
- It’s teamwork
- It’s continuous learning
- It supports families in need
How has the hospice changed over the years?
The physical space has become more modern, but the heart of the hospice remains the same. We’re still providing the same level of care, now with more resources and better collaboration with other departments like IT, volunteering and marketing.
We’ve also adapted to meet the evolving needs of our children — creating dedicated spaces that meet the needs of teenagers, for example, where they can play video games or connect with others their age. Technology has also helped us build even stronger connections with families, who love receiving updates and photos.
The hydrotherapy pool remains a favourite — it brings so much joy and relaxation to the children. It’s magical to see how something so simple can light up their world.
What would you say to a family considering a stay at the hospice?
I’d encourage them to come for a visit! The hospice environment is full of joy, light, and feels like a home. Our equipment is also high-quality and adaptable, and the staff and volunteers bring energy, fun and creativity to every interaction with the kids.
Every child receives personalised care that reflects their needs and abilities. We match each child with staff whose skills best suit their needs. Our team is highly trained and genuinely passionate — we’re respectful, supportive and always strive to make every child and family feel seen and cared for.
What is one of your most memorable experiences?
Every experience is unique, particularly with after death care. Some parents may want privacy with their child, while others find comfort knowing we can be there and take on certain roles for them. I will always remember holding a baby in my arms after they died and gently preparing them for their final resting place. Every parent and carer reacts differently to the death of a child, and we respect and facilitate their journey with compassion.
Another memorable moment for me was when a famous horse, Subzero, visited the old hospice. The joy it brought the children was unforgettable. Moments like these stay with you and remind you why this work matters.
Do you have any advice for other nurses to enjoy a long career in this field?
Being a paediatric palliative care nurse is both deeply rewarding and emotionally challenging. It’s not always easy, but it builds your resilience and helps you grow in ways you can’t imagine. You learn how to think independently, solve problems and make decisions with confidence. It’s important to care for yourself, too — emotionally, mentally, and physically.
We all come from different cultures, academic backgrounds and life experiences. That diversity is our strength and means we can stay flexible and creative in our care. It’s important we learn to work together with respect, even when it’s hard.
In this field we also develop the ability to bring out the best in others. Use that to your advantage as much as you can.
