Today, on International Nurses’ Day, we celebrate the remarkable contribution of our incredible nursing staff across Hampshire Hospitals.
Meet Amy Moore, Systemic Anti Caner Therapy Senior Sister on Nick Jonas Ward at Winchester Hospital, who has dedicated 21 years to caring for patients with compassion and unwavering commitment.
- What inspired you to become a nurse?
I was inspired to become a nurse while working weekends in a nursing home during my A-levels. From an early age, I realised I wanted to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives. Seeing firsthand how compassionate care can bring comfort during someone’s most vulnerable moments had a lasting impact on me and confirmed that nursing was the right path for me.
- What inspired you to specialise in caring for patients with cancer?
My final placement as a student nurse was at Mountbatten Hospice in Southampton, and this experience was, without doubt, what inspired me to specialise in cancer care. It was a privilege to work in palliative care, where I supported patients in achieving the best possible quality of life while living with a terminal illness. Working on Nick Jonas is one of the most rewarding experiences of my career. Alongside my exceptional colleagues, I am able to provide holistic, compassionate care, creating an environment that offers patients both hope and comfort during one of the most challenging times in their lives. I truly love what I do!
- What are the most rewarding moments you experience when supporting patients and their families?
Nick Jonas Ward is truly one of a kind. When I tell people I work in cancer care, they often say, “your job must be so hard.” At times, that is true—especially when we build strong relationships with patients and they reach a point where treatment is no longer possible. However, this is also what makes the role so meaningful and rewarding. I take pride in knowing that I give everything to ensure each patient’s journey is the best it can be, whether I care for them once or support them over many years. The relationships we build can have a lasting impact, not only on patients and their families, but on us as nurses too. One of the most memorable moments in my career was helping to arrange a wedding for a terminally ill patient on the ward at very short notice, fulfilling her final wish. Experiences like this highlight the importance of compassionate, person-centred care and remind me why I am so passionate about what I do.
- What keeps you passionate about it?
Having the opportunity to support patients through some of the most challenging and uncertain times of their lives is an absolute privilege. While delivering medical treatment is a vital part of the role, cancer nursing is equally about providing emotional support, reassurance, and ensuring patients and their families are treated with comfort and dignity throughout their entire journey. I value building meaningful relationships with those in my care, and I now have the privilege of leading a wonderful team of nurses on Nick Jonas. Together, we are committed to delivering the highest standard of compassionate care to patients undergoing cancer treatment.
- What advice you would give to someone considering a career in nursing today?
Nursing is a role that is both incredibly rewarding and, at times, challenging. On difficult days, it’s important to remember why you chose this profession and never underestimate the impact you can have on someone’s life, even in the smallest moments. It’s also important to recognise that it’s okay to have wobbly moments, we all do. What matters most is to find support whether that is leaning on your colleagues, taking some time for you and continuing to do the things outside of work that make you happy. Above all, stay positive, keep smiling, and take pride in the difference you make.
