As a proud Muslim woman, I feel my faith helps me to cope day to day with the emotional challenges that I often see in my job. My faith teaches me to put my trust in God and know that death is not the end.
Being a proud Muslim Nurse at St Gemma’s: Eleanor Panezai’s story
I never really understood what a hospice was when I did my nurse training. I only ever knew it as a place where people go to die. I had cared for a terminal patient as a student nurse and saw the palliative care team come to speak with the family. I watched in awe, amazed at their communication skills and empathy. It is what I envisioned “true nursing” to be like. Hospitals are busy and often challenging environments for end of life patients to be in, so this is what drew me towards working in hospice care.
Working at St Gemma’s while practicing Islam has been both deeply rewarding and, at times, challenging. One of the challenges is managing my own emotions while supporting families through grief. In Islam, death is seen as a transition rather than an end, and this belief can be a source of comfort. However, witnessing suffering daily requires spiritual resilience, and I often turn to prayer and faith as a means of coping.
On the other hand, there are many rewards. Islam teaches that providing care to those in need, especially the sick and dying, is a highly virtuous act. Being able to offer compassion, comfort, and presence to patients and their families feels like an extension of my faith in action.
Additionally, I have found that my background allows me to connect with Muslim patients and families who may need someone who understands their cultural and religious needs at such a sensitive time.
Working in a hospice while practicing Islam has reinforced my sense of purpose, strengthened my patience and empathy, and deepened my understanding of both my faith and the diverse beliefs of others.
During Ramadan, particularly whilst working busy or emotionally demanding shifts, I rely on moments of rest and reflection to maintain focus and avoid exhaustion. Hospice care can be physically and emotionally intense, and Islam recognises the importance of maintaining one’s own health. I find that fasting helps me connect more deeply with my role; reminding me of the importance of presence, kindness, and humility in the care I provide.
Spiritually, working in a hospice while fasting feels even more meaningful. Ramadan is a time of reflection, gratitude, and increased empathy, and caring for patients at the end of life reinforces these values.
One of the key teachings in Islam is that every person should be treated with dignity, regardless of their condition. This means ensuring that patients are comfortable, respected, and cared for with gentleness and patience. I make a conscious effort to provide a calm, reassuring presence, acknowledging the emotional and spiritual significance of this stage of life.
I moved to Leeds a year after qualifying when I met my husband and started working here at St Gemma’s as a Staff Nurse. I’ve never looked back since and I know I will probably work here until retirement!
For Ramadan this year, we are asking our local community to come together to support our vital work, caring for those in the Hospice and in the community we serve. All of our services are provided to the people of Leeds free of charge, so we rely on donations from kind supporters like you. Every donation, big or small, can make a real difference to the patients we care for and their loved ones when they need it most.