Nurses

The nursing team is made up of qualified nurses who work in many different areas. Some
have been working in Lourdes for a number of years.

Our sick pilgrims are accommodated in the Accueil Notre Dame during our stay in Lourdes.

The Accueil Notre-Dame is neither a hotel nor a hospital. It is a bright, modern, airy building, providing a good standard of accommodation for the people we care for. 
Designed in the form of “open arms” like the Rosary Basilica the Accueil Notre-Dame reminds
us that, in Lourdes, everyone is made welcome and cared for.
We cover the ward 24 hours a day. There are three shifts during the day and one at night.
Each shift has at least two qualified nurses and two carers – the aim is to have more than this on duty where possible but this does depend on the number of volunteers we have for the nursing team.
If you are new to the pilgrimage as qualified nurse or carer you will never be on shift by
yourself or with another nurse new to the pilgrimage.
The role of the nurse/carer is to give whatever assistance is needed to those staying in the Accueil.
Qualified nurses may be responsible for administering medication and also carrying out any medical care that may be needed, e.g. peg feeds, dressings, and flushes.

You are not expected to do anything that you are not comfortable with.

If you are on a shift which includes a mass or service you will escort the pilgrims and sit with them in case any assistance is required for the duration of the service or procession etc.

The nursing team works alongside the pilgrimage doctors and there is always a doctor
on call 24 hours a day.
We also work alongside the Brancardiers (male helpers) and Handmaids (female helpers).
There are care teams on shift in the morning and evening to assist those who require help getting up and going to bed.

Above all you have the opportunity to sit and talk with our special pilgrims staying in the Accueil and can make a huge difference to their pilgrimage experience.

All helpers who travel with the pilgrimage are subject to CRB clearance to comply with Diocesan Safeguarding Guidlines.

If you would like further information or have any specific questions about working as a
nurse or carer in Lourdes please contact the Pilgrimage Office and they will forward your enquiry to the Chief Nurse.