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Behind The Stethoscope

BEHIND THE

STETHOSCOPE

Inspire delves ‘behind the stethoscope’ to get to know the amazing nurses, doctors and our
researchers to understand a little more about the work they do.

Lung Cancer Nurse Specialists’ work dovetails with the mission of the Foundation. They run our Lung Cancer Support
Groups, speak at our Lung Cancer Information Days and supply our Lung Cancer Information to thousands of people
diagnosed each year. We could not achieve our aims without their amazing efforts.

Sara Hymas has been working with the Where do you work?
Foundation very closely for over five years. Her
work has touched thousands of patients and “I’m currently working at The Princess Alexandra NHS Trust in Essex
she has been all around the world fundraising but from July I’ll be working as a Lung Cancer Nurse Specialist at
for us – from trekking in Iceland to cycling in Guy’s and St Thomas’ in London.”
Cuba and this year she’s hoping to cycle all the
way from Vietnam to Cambodia! Why did you decide to specialise in lung cancer?

“Lung cancer has affected me a lot; my grandad, father and
mother in law all died of the disease. I can’t change what the
disease did to them but I can help others living with the disease

and improve the experience and care they receive.”

What’s the best part of your job?

“The inspirational patients, families and carers I meet every day.”

Is there anything you would
change about your job?

“I would love there to be a more appropriate environment in
which to provide holistic care to lung cancer patients.”

What is the greatest challenge in your job?

“My work can be incredibly emotional sometimes - every day
in fact. You can’t help but form bonds with patients and their

families, so it can be very tough.”

Is there any advice you would give to other
nurses considering the same career path?

“Given the highly emotional nature of the work, it’s
so important to have a support network for yourself

too, both personally and professionally.”

Inspire recommends The National Lung Cancer Forum for Nurses.
Visit www.nlcfn.org.uk for more information.

14 Inspire 2016