Lost a couple of favorite patients this week...

[DroogieRN]

Being a newer RN (nine months in), I haven't experienced many demises of patients I've felt particularly close to -- especially since I work telemetry, where the population is always changing. But this being a small town, we have frequent flyers that I can't help but get to know.

So, Monday morning before my arrival, and then Thursday morning before my arrival, two of my absolute favorite patients of all time coded and died. I know it's part of life, part of nursing, but I am just so sad. I am grateful that I have emotions and empathy but at the same time, it would be so much easier if I didn't feel anything toward these patients.

I'm not looking for advice or anything else -- just wanted to throw out a thought to see if other nurses had felt similarly and how they might have dealt with a loss such as this...

[highlandlass1592, BSN, RN]

It actually wouldn't be easier if you could disconnect. It's the human connection that makes healthcare so vital a discipline. I recently posted on the same topic. Been doing this a while now and it never gets easeir to lose a patient.

As nurses, we are in a unique position in dealing with patients. We are at the bedside daily for a longer period of time than many other professions we work with. It takes a toll on us, emotionally and physically when we lose a patient. There can be feelings of hopelessness, that what we do doesn't really matter, normal feelings of loss..etc.

Over the years, I've found the way I cope is different depending upon how close I was to the patient. I've went to many funerals to pay my respects. Some funerals, I was unable to attend as it hurt too much. I frequently send sympathy cards (our unit actually does this, all the staff who wish can sign a note of sympathy) and sometimes I've attended memorials. Honestly, some times I just need to talk it over with another healthcare provider who understands. There is no right or wrong way to grieve, it's personal to each person. Recognize you've lost someone you've cared for and allow yourself time to grieve. It is a part of being human and a nurse.

[Poi Dog]

I am sorry for your heartache

When Mrs. K passed last year, I felt as if my heart was broken. Mrs. K would always tell me "I love you bunches". I missed hearing her say those words and as I type this post, I can she her smiling at me. It does not get easier.

Mourn, but also take comfort that you were with them to offer some comfort and relief.

[nursel56]

There are patients from my first years in nursing who I still feel sadness about, which may be partly because they were children, but I remember one lovely elderly lady who passed away suddenly during open reduction of an elbow fracture, which was sad enough, but she had made up little Christmas presents and cards for all the nurses prior to the surgery, so her poor sad husband brought them to us and seeing her perfect little handwriting on the card made me almost lose it right there! :-(

Hugs {{{droogie}}} :redpinkhe

[gettingbsn2msn, MSN, RN]

Many hugs! Just know you were there in that person's time of need. Know that you were a good nurse and gave the best of yourself. That is all anyone can ask.