Horrible tragedy

Nurses General Nursing

Published

Specializes in CVICU, CCU, MICU, SICU, Transplant.

Just wanted to mention what happened on my unit yesterday...

Got a phone call yesterday afternoon from my CCU manager that a fellow nurse had committed suicide. The details are still in question but I was totally stunned and heart-broken ! Had just worked with him the other night and everything seemed fine (I guess). It's utterly horrible. He was well liked and respected, and was young (late 20's). What would drive someone like this to such a horrible end?

I was off work yesterday but I went in briefly to be with my staff. I can't believe how sad the general mood was on the unit; people i work with were crying, shocked, and in total disbelief. We are a very close group on night shift, and in many ways much like a disfunctional (but loving) family. This is going to hang on our minds and hearts for a long long time. Everyone was asking each other if there had been any sign of this coming, or if there was something we could have done to prevent it, but I dont think so. I guess all we can do is get up every day and keep going.

Anyway, i just wanted to talk this out. Thank you for reading.

Jim

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Specializes in cardiac.

That is horrible. My prayers go out to you and your co-workers.

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So sorry. You must be in a state of shock. My good wishes to you and your co-workers.

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Please accept my condolences. Not only is news like this shocking and sad, it can leave a hole in your heart.

Hugs

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Specializes in cardiac med-surg.

what a tough thing to go through

his family must be hurting

condolences

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Specializes in RN, BSN, CHDN.

I am so sorry to hear about your sad loss. My heart goes out to you

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Specializes in Orthosurgery, Rehab, Homecare.

Jim- I'm so sad for you and your colleges. It hurts, I know. A friend did the same in HS. We can't know what they are thinking etc. I there an Emplyee Assistance Program or some other venue that will offer counciling? Pastoral Care? Support group (even online)?

Just be there for eachother. Don't think about the "what if"s the "why"s and the "could/should we"s. They won't help. Give hugs and support. My thoughts are with you. This too, in time, shall pass.

~Jen

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Specializes in Rehabilitation, Medical, surgical, psych.
Just wanted to mention what happened on my unit yesterday...

Got a phone call yesterday afternoon from my CCU manager that a fellow nurse had committed suicide. The details are still in question but I was totally stunned and heart-broken ! Had just worked with him the other night and everything seemed fine (I guess). It's utterly horrible. He was well liked and respected, and was young (late 20's). What would drive someone like this to such a horrible end?

I was off work yesterday but I went in briefly to be with my staff. I can't believe how sad the general mood was on the unit; people i work with were crying, shocked, and in total disbelief. We are a very close group on night shift, and in many ways much like a disfunctional (but loving) family. This is going to hang on our minds and hearts for a long long time. Everyone was asking each other if there had been any sign of this coming, or if there was something we could have done to prevent it, but I dont think so. I guess all we can do is get up every day and keep going.

Anyway, i just wanted to talk this out. Thank you for reading.

Jim

:banghead: Seems like this person had some deep secrets they were not letting others in on for many years. Someone who is grounded in a career and has some good friends as you and your group seem to be wouldn't just make this decision to kill himself so suddenly. Other things were brewing in the background which he didn't let people see. It is too bad for you and your group and for nursing to loose such a young person this way.

Seems like sometimes you are just doing what the figure is doing in some relationships and getting nowhere.

I think it would be a good idea to have a day or two for everyone to debrief and discuss your feelings. It would be nice if managment could allow this for you and your group of nurses. This would go along way in making the workplace more friendly and caring.

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Specializes in Med-Surg, Trauma, Ortho, Neuro, Cardiac.

I'm sorry.

We were devasted several years ago by the suicide of a nurse that was one of the best nurses, friendly and happy go lucky. One never knows.

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Specializes in Rehabilitation, Medical, surgical, psych.

:studyowl: I like your Tweety. I too have been a study Owl and am going to be one again soon.

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Specializes in Specializes in L/D, newborn, GYN, LTC, Dialysis.

I am so sorry. Please, if your manager has not acted yet, make sure counseling opportunities are arranged ASAP for everyone who worked with this poor soul. There should be an EAP (employee assistance program) resource at your hospital to access for help. At the very least, a sort of "debriefing" opportunity is needed right away. Check with your manager or HR to set something up as soon as you can.

My heart goes out to all of you and to the loved ones of that poor lost soul.

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Specializes in Education, Acute, Med/Surg, Tele, etc.

My deepest sympathies and hopes for you and your collegues! That is horrible and I know I would have quite a difficult time with that myself. We too are a very close knit team and if one was gone, the rest would be rather hurt, angry, sad, dumbfounded, tearful, shocked, and shaken!

Smiling blue eyes has this on the nose...seek time for employees to grieve and deal with this shock and sadness through a councelor! You too must go through the stages of loss just like his family...and typically we are the last to be considered.

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