Co-worker passed away. Bad day at work

Nurses General Nursing

Published

A coworker was rushed to the hospital on Sunday and was taken off the vent today. She left a son and a husband behind. This person worked at our hospital for just over a year as our assist. manager.

I had to work today and we found out that they took her off the vent during mid shift, at a sister hospital. The chaplain came up for support and prayers, but the day was horribly busy with demanding patients that couldn't even muster a thank you to their nurses for pain meds, water or blankets. All the nurses had been crying in the breakroom over the news and missing lunch because the day was insane. Yet they walked back in the rooms with a smile on their face. I was really proud of my co workers today. We held that floor together because we worked as a team and gave hugs to each other as we were running down the halls.

I worked 10 hrs before taking a break. It was an exhausting and very long day. I had to leave the desk many times to wipe away tears, but come back and answer the phone and pretend things were just fine.

My co worker is now gone, and no longer in pain, but darn it all, she will be greatly missed.:crying2::crying2:

Specializes in behavioral health.

You have my deepest sympathy. It must be very difficult for all of you at work.

i'm saddened to read about your coworker, and i'm so sorry.

but...i am equally as inspired at how connected, supported, and respected you are by your colleagues.

it really is incredibly touching.

your coworker is blessed, as well as you and your unit.

wishing you faith, strength, and ultimately peace, as you endure the forthcoming days/months.:hug:

leslie

Specializes in Acute Care Cardiac, Education, Prof Practice.

Very sorry for your loss Leslie.

Take care.

Tait

Very sorry for your loss Leslie.

Take care.

Tait

tait, it's not me!

leslie

Specializes in LTC, Acute care.

So sorry for your loss, Tokmom. I admire your team's strength through the tough day you all had and I'm sending hugs your way.

Specializes in Certified Med/Surg tele, and other stuff.

Aww, thanks everyone. Just reading this makes me cry all over again. It was sudden, ugly and tragic. It just sucks. I had to go on the floor today on my day off and I walked past her office. The door was slightly ajar and I could see a diet pepsi she had never finished and left sitting at her desk. Her hand lotion that smelled of fresh berries was next to it. We are all devastated, but we will pull through this one day at a time....sigh.

Specializes in Acute Care Cardiac, Education, Prof Practice.
tait, it's not me!

leslie

Yeah sorry. New babe started fussing mid post and I think I saw you being the last poster as being the original poster.

Tok sorry for that.

:hug: Tait

Specializes in Certified Med/Surg tele, and other stuff.
Yeah sorry. New babe started fussing mid post and I think I saw you being the last poster as being the original poster.

Tok sorry for that.

:hug: Tait

Those babies are demanding buggers, aren't they?;) No offense Tait, no offense at all.

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