Hospice nurse writes poetry about patient stories

Nicole Durman said it can be difficult for hospice nurses to "leave their work at work"

A hospice nurse has written a book of poetry based on emotional and inspiring patient stories.

Nicole Durman, who works at St Margaret's Hospice in Taunton, Somerset, said she uses poetry as an outlet to help "keep the emotional burnout at bay".

The 39-year-old said writing was not only cathartic for her, but served as a "tribute and testament" to the grieving families she supports.

"Every shift we work kind of builds up in us," she said. "That's why I'm so glad to have poetry to be able to express those feelings and write them down."

Her book, Ghosts of Nightshifts Past, will be launched at Brendan Books in Taunton on Thursday.

Ms Durman will be reading excerpts from her book during the launch event

Ms Durman originally studied for a degree in writing, but "wanted a change of pace" after moving to the UK from the US in 2011.

"I just felt I had something to give people and I wanted to help," she told BBC Radio Somerset.

She began her career in the "fast-paced and challenging" wards of the emergency department at Musgrove Hospital, but soon turned her attention towards end-of-life care.

"It is really hard to detach emotionally. For better or for worse, I don't think nurses leave their work at work," Ms Durman explained.

"I always say sometimes poetry flows like water, and sometimes it feels like you're pulling your insides out to put them on the page.

"Everyone has different ways of keeping the emotional burnout at bay, and this is mine."

The book is a collection of poems that offer a glimpse into the world of nursing, both from the perspective of patients and staff

One of her poems, 'her husband, next of kin', follows a man who watches helplessly as his wife slips away.

"The joy is really making connections with other healthcare workers, patients and other poets," Ms Durman said.

"Them finding the beauty in what I have written, it's incredible. It's truly humbling."