Today I was too busy

[xmaxiex]

Today I was too busy . Too busy to comfort a dying man and his son . I remember being grateful that his son was present because I just didn't have the time . As I whizzed by his room all day tending to different things , I stopped in briefly to check on them , no more than a minute, didn't have time . I rushed to finish paperwork and get new orders . A son sat and held the hand of the man who taught him how to ride a bike , drive a car and deal with life. The man expired as his son held his hand , I did my assessment and managed a quick "I'm sorry " . But another pt was having problems and off I go again . We were too short staffed . As this son called his brothers and sisters and family , I ran up and down the busy hallway . On one of my passes down the hallway I overheard a few staff members joking at the nurses station right outside the mans room . We did the necessary death related things and the family departed and the funeral home came to pick up the body . I finished the day two hours late . I got into my car and as I did everyday relived the day in my head . Yes I had done everything I needed to do .The paperwork was done . But I had been too busy today to comfort a dying man and his family . I am looking at myself differently tonight . Guilt , yes . Am I really that jaded a person ? I have experienced death many times but never have I been so busy that I could not find a moment to respect a life among us . I dont like myself very much tonight .

[Tweety, BSN, RN]

It only means you care. I know what you mean and hear you loud and clear. Excellent posts from the others. :)

[~Kitty~]

Your post brought tears to my eyes.

(((Hugs)))

[MamaTheNurse, BSN, RN]

the fact that you even feel bad about this experience shows that you are not jaded and are surely a very caring nurse but you were caught in a bad situation (short-staffed) - and, even though I wasn't there and don't know all the circumstances, I feel that maybe the "few staff members" who had time to joke outside the guy's room might have helped you out for a few minutes so you could be in there a little bit more......

[Sadie04]

((((xmaxiex)))) You sound like a very compassionate nurse. Unfortunately, due to chronic short-staffing, we are forced to cut corners, even in cases of dying patients which should never be allowed to happen Please don't blame yourself, you did the best you could under the circumstances.

[xmaxiex]

Thank you all for all your support ! On my worst days I know I can come here and be among friends who give it to me straight , be among those who know , those that care , those that have felt the pain and joys that come with this journey that is our profession.

[fab4fan]

Most of the time family members are glad to have undisturbed time with a loved one who is dying, so chances are very good that your patient's son was not upset at all.

I think it was rude for certain posters to take you to task (no matter how gently) for not spending more time with the pt. It's really easy to sit back and be an armchair quarterback. Face it, we've all had days like this. Any nurse who says she/he hasn't is either lying or hasn't been practicing very long.

[webblarsk]

So sorry for the difficult time you are having. But it sounds like you did all you could! :)

[xmaxiex]

Thank you everyone for your support !