As a human being I have felt emotionally affected by the case of the young man stabbed in the Bronx,part of me is surprised since I have been a nurse in the emergency room for so many years and it is usually those cases the ones that we frequently received. As a nurse you receive a pt, use your knowledge,critical thinking, protocols, guidelines, stabilize the patient and continue with the next case, of course there is certain level of empathy in the process, however there are cases like this one that although we have not been there it breaks my heart,unique cases that make us wonder what my reaction would have been if I had beenthere? Above all, how can our mental and emotional health could be affected by cases of this magnitude? Any thoughts?

As a human being I have felt emotionally affected by the case of the young man stabbed in the Bronx,part of me is surprised since I have been a nurse in the emergency room for so many years and it is usually those cases the ones that we frequently received. As a nurse you receive a pt, use your knowledge,critical thinking, protocols, guidelines, stabilize the patient and continue with the next case, of course there is certain level of empathy in the process, however there are cases like this one that although we have not been there it breaks my heart,unique cases that make us wonder what my reaction would have been if I had beenthere? Above all, how can our mental and emotional health could be affected by cases of this magnitude? Any thoughts?

That case is truly horrific for more reasons than I can count. Caring for injured people is one thing, but watching them helplessly dragged to their death is quite another. I think it's "being there" and not being able to intervene that causes the most distress. In an ER setting, at least you're in a position to try to do something ...even of it's not quite enough in some cases.

As a nurse you receive a pt, use your knowledge,critical thinking, protocols, guidelines, stabilize the patient and continue with the next case, of course there is certain level of empathy in the process

Of course there is, Marian, and you are admirably exhibiting that empathy.

It must be wearing to have to perform your duties, yet also have to keep a certain amount of distance from your emotions. Becoming apathetic is an understandable defense mechanism in our profession.

I don't have anywhere near the level of trauma and drama that you have in your job but still find myself feeling rather calloused at times. Sometimes, however, a situation will touch me and I find myself examining and re-examining my thoughts and feelings as you are right now, Marian.

Merely expressing and having one's feelings validated is sometimes enough to buoy us on and I hope that's what this thread does for you.

The very best to you, Marian.