Kicking off International Nurses Day 2026

It's hard to believe it's a year since I retired from nursing. A period of unwinding and unravelling, a time to "reset" with regular yoga classes, cycling with my new bike and the beginning of my Gaelic learning journey.

I also had the opportunity to support Pancreatic Cancer Action at their Glasgow Central Station Take-over and the 60 miles in November challenge. A personal challenge for me was to cycle 200 miles (over several trips, I hasten to add) finishing at the beautiful Kelpies and raising a fantastic amount of money for the charity.

International Nurses Day offers an opportunity for us to highlight and celebrate the knowledge, skills and expertise of our nursing colleagues. For me, personally, it provides a chance to reflect on 20 years of listening, advising and guiding patients and their carers, developing and supporting a dedicated team of Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNS), but also influencing local, regional and national approaches to Pancreas Cancer Management and Care Pathways through a variety of networks and projects.

Access to a team of highly skilled health professionals providing person-centred care is essential for all individuals with suspected or diagnosed pancreatic cancer along with their carers and friends, when the diagnosis and treatment pathways are often complex, with many twists and turns along the way.

What have I learned?

I’ve learned over time that the following activities are essential for ensuring patients and carers access the right support at the right time:

1. Optimising nutrition, medication and general health and wellbeing (including managing symptoms) at the first point of contact;
2. Assessing information needs and providing appropriate advice, support and guidance from the outset;
3. Understanding patients' wishes and family dynamics in order to;
4. Engage in sensitive conversations with honesty, empathy and transparency;
5. Early access to Palliative and Primary Care Team support.

All of the above require a multidisciplinary team approach with patients and carers at the heart of decision making.

But the thread that holds all this together is the Clinical Nurse Specialist who has the insight, skills and knowledge to guide individuals through a complex diagnostic pathway and who is in the ideal position to provide continuity of advice, support and information at all stages of the cancer journey. The CNS post funded by Pancreatic Cancer Action at Glasgow Royal Infirmary is crucial to supporting activity leading to a prompt diagnosis.

Personal reflections

Small things really do make a difference - CNS's have an extensive clinical knowledge, a wealth of experience and can offer tips and hints that may surprise you.

Waiting for investigations and a diagnosis is unbearably scary.

We really do have to ask about your poos!

It's been humbling to have been involved with and support families when they are understandably anxious, angry, frightened and at their most vulnerable, to witness distress and strong emotions, but also observe courage, strength and determination. With a bit of humour thrown in - mostly about wind and poo!

I've learnt many lessons over the last 20 years of cancer nursing and the most important would be:

• Life is precious - take nothing for granted.
• Family and friendship are precious, hold them close.
• If you notice any changes in your health don't be afraid to talk to someone about it.

I'm looking forward to working with the Pancreatic Cancer Action team, as they continue their influential awareness raising activities and strive towards their goal of saving lives through early diagnosis.