A first glimpse into hospice care for student Nicole

The Temple Project is an initiative aimed at providing nursing students with valuable exposure to different health settings, including hospice care.

Through this project, students undertake one-day placements at Willow Wood Hospice, allowing them to observe and participate in the multidisciplinary approach to palliative care.

This hands-on experience is designed to enhance their understanding of holistic, patient-centred care in a real-world setting.

Willow Wood Hospice has been actively supporting the Temple Project by welcoming a select number of students for these placements. The feedback from participants has been overwhelmingly positive, highlighting the educational value and the compassionate environment at the Hospice.

The Hospice is committed to continuing its support for this initiative, aiming to inspire and educate future healthcare professionals in the field of palliative care.

Nicole Williams, a first-year Adult Nursing student at the University of Salford, recently completed her one-day placement at Willow Wood Hospice as part of the project. The experience exceeded her expectations and left a lasting impression.

Nicole, from Oldham, had never stepped inside a hospice before and understandably felt nervous.

Her only previous connection was through a friend whose mother had died at a different hospice. “I thought it would be a sad and heavy place,” she admitted. “But I was so wrong.”

From the moment she arrived, Nicole was struck by the calm, welcoming atmosphere and the warmth of the team.

Shadowing ward sister, Lauren, she took part in medication rounds, attended a doctors’ meeting, and observed the changing of a syringe driver – all under compassionate guidance. A workbook helped her explore the many services offered at Willow Wood, from patient support to The Sanctuary room.

What stood out most was the environment itself. “It’s so different from a hospital,” she reflected. “Every member of staff greeted me, the pace was calmer, and the care was deeply personal.”

She also noticed how the team interacted with patients and families: always speaking directly to them – even when a patient was unconscious – and keeping clinical paperwork unobtrusive to preserve a homely, respectful atmosphere.

Nicole’s understanding of hospice and palliative care transformed throughout the day. She learned the important distinction between palliative and end-of-life care and saw first-hand how hospices support quality of life, not just its end. “I used to think nothing could beat being at home at the end of life – but Willow Wood felt like home.”

Describing her day as awe-inspiring, serene, and stimulating, Nicole says the experience has sparked a strong interest in hospice care. “I’d love to return for a longer placement. It just felt right for me.”

To anyone who thinks hospices are just sad places, Nicole offers a different view: “It’s not a place of sadness – it’s a place of love, respect, and dignity.”

She’s already recommended Willow Wood to her peers – and will continue to do so. “Even if hospice care isn’t your chosen path, it’s an invaluable learning experience.”

Are you a student who is interested in a placement at Willow Wood Hospice? Find out more by clicking here.