My 9 year old patient was raped and required surgery

ybstressed · Dec 23, 2008, 01:33 PM

Re: My 9 year old patient was raped and required surgery

I use to work a facility for sexually abused children. These children lived in dorm type setting (same sex houses) and where children that where not up for adoption due to extreme behavior problems. These children had severe behavior problems due to the sexual and other types of abuse. I can’t stress to you how much a smile, hug, and your caring presence is making a difference. The journal is an excellent idea. For all our children journals where provided with a lock to ensure that there thoughts where kept secret. Each child had a lovie that they kept with them also. The small things matter.

Just to give you a little hope…. There was one specific child (6 y/o) that I felt drawn too. Her parents (mother and father) sexually abused her on a regular basis. She also had a brother that they where abusing also, and as a result of their abuse, he started to abuse her also. This child was very withdrawn and was often terrified of everyone. When she came to the home she attempted to abuse the other children because that’s all she knew. She was a very…very…cute little girl and my first instinct was to say hello and hug her and show her I cared. She wanted nothing to do with that so I started small with a smile, respecting her space, and showing her that I was trust worthy and cared. She quickly warmed up to me and she even made me a ceramic angel as a gift…..she made the angle look like me! This child learned to love and be loved the correct way at the home and was soon adopted by loving caring parents. All takes is a warm smile and a caring touch to let her know she is safe.

1214RN · Dec 23, 2008, 01:38 PM

Re: My 9 year old patient was raped and required surgery

I can't decide if I'm filled with rage, sadness, disgust or empathy.
I'm so sorry and horrified anyone has to go through something like that.
Is there a counselor or social worker or clergy member you can talk to
at work? They might have some sound advice for you.
I'll be praying for a good physical recovery for the little girl and for
emotional healing.

*Anxious Patient* · Dec 23, 2008, 01:46 PM

Re: My 9 year old patient was raped and required surgery

Sexual child abuse is horrendous enough, but the brutal rape of a 9 year old leaves me speachless. How could she ever lead a normal life after this. I hope that monster gets vigilante justice. What a heart breaking story.

ssouthernyankee · Dec 23, 2008, 01:49 PM

Re: My 9 year old patient was raped and required surgery

Originally Posted by sfrek1214

I can't decide if I'm filled with rage, sadness, disgust or empathy.
I'm so sorry and horrified anyone has to go through something like that.
Is there a counselor or social worker or clergy member you can talk to
at work? They might have some sound advice for you.
I'll be praying for a good physical recovery for the little girl and for
emotional healing.

I go back in for shift tonight. I am going to look into finding our chaplain to talk to. Thank you.

*cardiacRN2006* · Dec 23, 2008, 01:50 PM

Re: My 9 year old patient was raped and required surgery

Hopefully your assignment is decreased so that you can spend more time with her. If I were in charge I would adjust the assignments to allow this.

I'm just disgusted at the thought of this. How can people be so cruel? I love the idea of you buying her a teddy bear for her to hold. That's a very sweet idea.

ssouthernyankee · Dec 23, 2008, 01:50 PM

Re: My 9 year old patient was raped and required surgery

Originally Posted by Anxious Patient

Sexual child abuse is horrendous enough, but the brutal rape of a 9 year old leaves me speachless. How could she ever lead a normal life after this. I hope that monster gets vigilante justice. What a heart breaking story.

It is possible to lead a semi normal life after this I just pray that she gets plenty of help on the way.

wooh · Dec 23, 2008, 01:51 PM

Re: My 9 year old patient was raped and required surgery

Originally Posted by ssouthernyankee

At your places of work are there rules about gift giving to patients? I don't even want to ask before I do it because if I'm told no I will end up getting myself in trouble.

Myself? I wouldn't ask, I'd just do. I'm very careful of not blurring boundaries, but I think a soft teddy bear and a journal would be a fabulous idea.
I'd avoid sharing your story with her. I'd be afraid it might be used against her in any testimony she might have to give. The defense could argue you fed her ideas and such. (Yes, I watch too much tv.) But be there for her, let her know she can talk to you. And just listen.
Hugs to you, some cases are just so heartbreaking....

ssouthernyankee · Dec 23, 2008, 01:52 PM

Re: My 9 year old patient was raped and required surgery

Originally Posted by cardiacRN2006

Hopefully your assignment is decreased so that you can spend more time with her. If I were in charge I would adjust the assignments to allow this.

I'm just disgusted at the thought of this. How can people be so cruel? I love the idea of you buying her a teddy bear for her to hold. That's a very sweet idea.

Thanks I wish I could be allowed to decrease my pt load to be allowed to focus more on her. since no one else seems to want to be involved. I so badly want to just take her home with me. I know can't think like that but I can't help it.

ssouthernyankee · Dec 23, 2008, 01:54 PM

Re: My 9 year old patient was raped and required surgery

Ok sitter is here so off to shopping for her I a go go . I will post after I take her the gifts.

*Anxious Patient* · Dec 23, 2008, 02:05 PM

Re: My 9 year old patient was raped and required surgery

I don't know how you nurses do it. After reading so many of your stories, your humanity leaves me humbled. Your patients are indeed blessed.

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My 9 year old patient was raped and required surgery

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