Hi all!
I'm a surviving new grad in the ICU (what else can you really do but survive those first 6 months?). Just wanted to say that I had to do my first terminal wean yesterday per family's request/ Dr's orders. It was tough. I had taken care of the patient for three nights straight and he'd improved my first night, but then the second night I came back, and the drips started going up (3 pressors all maxed out) and the last night, he had two IV poles for all his drips. It was sad because he had initially been improving but by the time I had taken him over he had already been on the downhill path (reintubation, etc).
I just find the hardest thing is dealing with the family. They're devastated, the decision is tough, and I have no idea what to say. I just would ask them about little things, if they would like coffee, tissues, offered a blanket for the patient since he was so cold, pain medication for the patient if they thought it would help.
I guess we never learn what is the right thing to say is, but if anyone has any suggestions I'd appreciate it. I feel that saying "i'm so sorry for your loss" is so generic when every medical staff member says it. I know "it was an honor to care for your family member" is a little better. I'm sure they believed that I was genuine because I kept tearing up, but obviously my focus is on the patient, the family and attempting to keep an eye on my other pt.
Thanks for any advice.
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