Finding Poetry in Nursing Presence

In this episode, we explore the intersection of nursing and the arts—a rare but powerful combination in healthcare. In January 2024, The Telegraph, a renowned UK news outlet, featured an article titled "The Nurse Who Helps Dying Patients Write Poetry." The nurse at the centre of this story is Rekha Vijayshankar, a trailblazer in the field of palliative care. Rekha joins us to share poignant stories that highlight the transformative and diverse ways nurses can connect with dying patients, offering new perspectives on relational care. Through these reflections, she invites us to challenge our assumptions and rethink our roles in the healthcare process, especially in unconventional practices.

Rekha is a Queen's nurse, Winston Churchill fellow, and a leader in frailty and palliative care. She currently serves as Deputy Head of Quality and Clinical Governance at Marie Curie, UK. With a deep background in palliative care, public health nursing, and as a nurse prescriber, Rekha’s work is grounded in social justice and equity. Drawing from her own experiences as a family caregiver and her lived reality of social isolation and health challenges, she uses a public health lens to empower those facing adversity, particularly in navigating end-of-life decisions. A mindfulness practitioner, Rekha’s insights offer a profound and compassionate look at nursing and caregiving.

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