Desensitization and detachement

[Rhi007]

How do others cope with the death of patients? I had my first on Tuesday and while it was hard, the hardest part was trying to explain to a 4yr old why I wasn't crying.

[emtb2rn, BSN, RN, EMT-B]

Compartmentalization. Stuff the emotions into a corner until the shift ends. However, that can't always be done. Sometimes the emotions overflow. Especially when kids are involved.

Talk to someone, manager, co-worker, someone who gets how you feel. Don't overlook stress debriefing.

And yeah, it does get easier. You do all you can do and you can't save them all.

[ncaru01]

I remember in school in the ER how the nurses seem so cold. I don't really get bothered by it anymore. Most of the patients are dead in the door but I had a high functioning 80ish yo die from a broken arm who was in the process of being sent home when she arrested. that bothered me for about a week. I don't care for that room anymore but I think working in an ER has made me a worse person. I feel like I am desensitized. The staff including myself seem to think everyone is exaggerating their discomfort and they usually aren't very sick. It's not all that exciting but the flu sucks there's just little sympathy from nurses I think especially in the ER. I think when you deal with it on a regular basis you do become desensitized which I don't know is a good thing for life. Makes nursing more manageable though.

[BSNbeauty, BSN, RN]

I feel the same way. In the ED everything is an emergency to them and I find mysef shaking my head sometimes. I hate that I find myself becoming desensitzed. This is not who I am. I try hard to remain true to myself while still giving good care and modulating my emotions.

I remember in school in the ER how the nurses seem so cold. I don't really get bothered by it anymore. Most of the patients are dead in the door but I had a high functioning 80ish yo die from a broken arm who was in the process of being sent home when she arrested. that bothered me for about a week. I don't care for that room anymore but I think working in an ER has made me a worse person. I feel like I am desensitized. The staff including myself seem to think everyone is exaggerating their discomfort and they usually aren't very sick. It's not all that exciting but the flu sucks there's just little sympathy from nurses I think especially in the ER. I think when you deal with it on a regular basis you do become desensitized which I don't know is a good thing for life. Makes nursing more manageable though.