Jan 26, 2008 10:24 PM - It is this compassion that I saw during my stay in the hospital after removal of a malignant tumor, that I was inspired to become a nurse. This is what nursing is all about and its so great to see those who truly understand this and practice that mentality every day . Nurses have such impact on the patient and a grieving family, and I thank you all for being so wonderful. Lets spread this attitude. I hope to never have to see someone go through such a difficult time alone, whether be the patient or family. So tragic some people don't have any family or friends for support as they are ill or dying. All I remember during my stay at the hospital is laughing with the nurses, who came to see me with such bright smiles! I don't remember I was there battling cancer. I remember what amazing people I was blessed to provide me care. Thank you all for your love and having a heart for the people you care for. I strive to be like all of you. 2 yrs. away!

Jan 27, 2008 03:00 AM - Amazing story and idea.
If it were my spouse, I would want the same.
Thank you for the story.

Jan 27, 2008 02:37 PM - This was really a wonderful article. I'm so glad you were brave enough to 'think outside the box' and give this family what they needed.

Jan 27, 2008 02:41 PM - Thank you for such a great article.
Your compassion as a caring nurse shone through and left this woman with beautiful memories.

Jan 29, 2008 10:25 PM - I hope that when it is my husband's time to go (if he goes first), that I will be given that chance to hold him too. Thank you so much for a beautiful article. God bless you, interleukin.

Jan 30, 2008 08:40 AM - My very young cousin with triplets died after her bilateral dx of breast ca. This story really brings home the importance the immediate family needs for closure.

Thank you for such a beautifully painted reality of what really matters for this closure and good-bye's to loved ones every one of us need to experience.

Whether a family member or a nurse, compassion with all it's power somehow can prevail. Compassion has a purpose.

Jan 31, 2008 10:07 AM - greats story, thanx for sharing it with us.. very touching and sad... yet endearing

Jan 31, 2008 02:26 PM - My daughter was an infant when she was diagnosed with her first brain tumor. By the grace of God she survived a mis-diagnosis and 15 hour surgery, but it was a difficult time filled with difficult decisions; she was not expected to survive. I was new to nursing and being a mom and all I could think of was taking care of my child. I was surprised at the range of help I received in both preparing for her possible death, being able to be with her as much as possible and even help with her care to being talked to like I was an intruder and not being able to touch her.

It cannot be over-emphasized how important it is to allow families to participate and be present during the end of a loved one's life or during a healthcare crisis. The outcome was good for my daughter and I truly believe that being there and touching her and lying in her crib with her helped her even when he was unconscious. But for some that suffer loss, what we can do to help them say good bye and have the time they need is imperative for their grieving.

Thank you for such a good article and subsequent posts.

~KelRN24

~ Caring is the essence of nursing. ~ Jean Watson

Feb 01, 2008 01:44 AM - My dad died at home under the care of hospice 2 years ago. I was the nurse/daughter and was called upon a lot by family members for medical type questions so it was kind of hard to be the grieving daughter. I do remember watching different family members and how they said good byes in their own private way. My neice laid in bed silently with her papa and just held his hand, my son confided his wives pregnancy, others would carry on complete conversations even though my father was unresponsive, others just sat by in silence.
It moved me and helped me process my own grief by remembering how everybody had their own way of saying goodbye. I know it helped them, and I like to think it helped my dad. Death can be so painfully sad and traumatic, but I believe there is also a certain beauty that can be found in the outpouring of love.

Feb 05, 2008 12:21 PM - I worked in hospice for 5 years when I first started my nursing career; this story brought me back there to several patients and families I remember....no one with the exception of nurses really know how much we matter in these situations. We provide memories and perceptions of the end of life that last a lifetime to the surviving family and friends.