My 9 year old patient was raped and required surgery

Just reading this makes me cry. I get so emotional with children that there would be no way I could focus. Someone mentioned a journal and I think that is a great idea. Also I would probably ask for a lighter case load so I could concentrate more on this little girl . She needs strong emotional support right now...I feel for her

I have an 8 year old daughter and I cant even begin to imagine that little girls pain. Gave my daughter an extra hard bear hug at bed time tonight .

Continue to keep that little girl safe and my thoughts are with you both. Continue to do an outstanding job. xxx

When we deal w/a situation like this, imho, we need to move around our own righteous anger and sadness in order to help the patient. Focus on her--if you're falling apart, weeping, how does that help her? If there's an incident in our past that this little girl reminds us of, deal w/it, but not in front of her.

Social service, psychiatry, child life team should all be involved to help her express and cope w/her feelings. They can provide the emotional support she needs, and support the nursing staff, too. They can give you ideas of activities for her. She needs play time, learning time--time to do something fun and distracting.

Art supplies are good, hand held games, board games if someone can play w/her. The assignments should be arranged to provide her w/"primaries", a team that she sees consistently.

Best wishes.

I would suggest art supplies as well...

Listen...you know that expression? "Its better to ask for forgiveness than permission."
It works here. You might be using up your one "freebie" but what the the heck?

Best of luck to you!

I Have no words of wisdom.I can't stop crying as I think about that poor little girl. Bless you for taking an interest. She needs you now. I also think the journal and teddy bear are a great idea. Please give her a hug for me.

I hate to be a downer---but i would NOT give the gifts. Give non tangibles--smiles/caring words/gentle touches. baribies and teddy bears are not going to make it any better and it may be putting you in a situation that makes it so you would be able to care for her any more....

Trust me---a doll is not what this kiddo needs. She does need some good consistent care, so dont get too attached that they take you off her assisgnment. If you want to give, give to the Toys for Tots program---I am willing to bet there are some abused and children of need kids in that program.

Also please please please do not tell this child what happened to you. Do not put your burden and grief on this girl---I know you think it will help, but it wont, not at this time when it is so recent.

Talk to a counselor but not this child. Once again let me say it again-----this child needs good consistent care, by some one who can look her into the eye and speak clearly and gently with her. Please dont put your self in a situation that would stop you from being the one to do this for her.

That poor baby. You are a great compassionate and caring nurse. The journal and Teddy Bear is a great idea and she will remember you always for that.
If you really feel the need to say something to her about your experience I would just tell her that something similar happned to you when you were about her age and that you understand what she is going thru and then leave it at that. That way she can feel that you can relate w/o going into specifics or detail. Best of luck to ya. and her also. My thoughts and prayers are with you both.

That poor little girl. I certainly hope whoever did this get's what they deserve. And then some.
God bless you for going above and beyond.

Give her every opportunity to talk about it. Always take time to listen, try to make sure she REALLY believes this was not her fault - she was victimized - I'm guessing by someone she knew - usually that is the case.

I like the journal idea. I also think a rape counselor might be a good idea, your social service department may be able to give you that information. Hugs to you and your innocent patient. God bless you for all you do. May God also give this child some peace.

Blessings

Do you have an Employee Assistant Program at work? Maybe a therapist would have some ideas for you. Or maybe you could pick the brain of the counselor that I imagine they've assigned to this child.

Prison is too good for the scum who do things like this...