something that is bothering me

Nursing Students CNA/MA

Published

there was something that happened at work that has bothered me ever since. not as bad as when it happened, but still.

the icu nurse had me help him with a man who had passed away.i have seen dead people before, but this is the first time ive seen someone that had been dead for a while.. scared me, honestly. i helped remove the lines and change his gown, etc..he was just so cold and had a lot of mottling, and i found myself trying to warm his hands up by rubbing them, which obviously did nothing..but what is worrying me is my reaction.i kept it together long enough to go in the bathroom and frantically text my husband because i was so overcome with sadness for this guy! i was nearly in tears.

luckily, i regained my composure but wow, i couldn't believe how involuntary my feelings were. i have also found myself feeling the same "overcome with sadness" feeling when patients cry. im just not sure why i have been so overly sensitive about everything i guess. any ideas on how to distance oneself from difficult situations?

Specializes in Pediatrics.

Feelings of sadness over the loss of life are normal.

Please utilize your facility EAP program to find someone to help you process those feelings and emotions

what is that? im with an agency..i honestly almost called down to staffing to talk to them, but i figured they would be obnoxious about it..i had a similar reaction during the first code blue that i was present for, and they had the same impatient attitude..i mean, i get it..im an adult, i have to keep the emotions in check, but it was just so overwhelming. maybe im just a big baby???

Specializes in Pediatrics.

Most facilities have an Employee Assistance Program, which offer counseling services to employees.

Being in this type of work it can be high stress and emotionally challenging to you.

A good employer will have some sort of assistance to allow you to process your feelings and emotions.

After the code blue did they hold a debriefing?

Again a good employer would encourage debriefings to allow employees to process their feelings regarding the event

Again feelings of sadness and loss is normal

Specializes in Long term care.

Check with hospice in your area. Even if this person wasn't a hospice patient, they may still be able to help you. They helped me and other coworkers when one of our long time patients passed away. This was years ago, but the counseling I received back then still helps me now.

+ Add a Comment