Pt. passed away, I had been giving her a massage...

[touchhealth]

I work on a massage therapy team that offeres complementary therapies to pts in our local hospital. It is amazing work, and I really love it. I'm trying to get my RN license and mix the two.

The other day, my worst fear happened. I was working on a terminally ill elderly woman, on cardiac step-down. She had said she was feeling really low that day, but lit up when I offered her a massage (she'd been seen before by another CMT, and she loved it!)

While I was working on her, it was clear she was having trouble getting comfortable. She had a large oxygen mask she kept grabbing at, and her chronic arthritis was causing a lot of pain. She did close her eyes a couple times, and relaxed a little. I did very, very light work on her shoulders & neck b/c she was on heparin.

The pt then asks me if I can roll her over, and what the status of her oxygen is. I tell her I am not allowed to re-position or move any pts unless they can do it on their own. I also cannot give her information about her oxygen, so I excuse myself to find her RN to check on it.

I left the room for only a minute, and returned with the pts RN. He looked at the oxygen and said, "she's fine." But when he tried to talk to the pt, she was unresponsive. They called a code blue, but she was a DNR so she passed away shortly after.

At first, I was so scared that I'd done something wrong! But I am meticulous about following in-hospital massage protocols, so I calmed down a little bit. One nurse pointed out that getting a massage right at the end must be a really nice way to go! I found out later that her family was also very grateful that someone was there with her, giving her therapeutic massage, right before she passed.:loveya:

It was the first time in the 25 year history of this hospital massage program that a pt coded and passed away when the CMT was there.

I will never forget this pt, or this experience.

It was humbling, and inspiring at the same time.

[SuesquatchRN, BSN, RN]

One nurse pointed out that getting a massage right at the end must be a really nice way to go! I found out later that her family was also very grateful that someone was there with her, giving her therapeutic massage, right before she passed.:loveya:

You relaxed her enough to allow her to go. You helped ease her pain, let her know through touch that she was still loved -

You did a wonderful thing.

:)

[alphabet]

TouchHealth-

I can understand your feelings- anyone who has been in the room when someone passes is awed by the transition.

It was her time to go - you were there for her, easing her way

what a blessing to you BOTH!

:heartbeat

[blueheaven]

Awesome, that patient felt comfortable enough to go. Hugs to you!!!!!!!!!!

[TristleRN]

A late response, but kudos as well. I agree, an awesome way to go...while getting a massage. You said she was terminal, and a DNR. I hope you don't feel any guilt, you did nothing wrong. You helped her. :-)