one of my favorite moments... elderly pt

I guess one of my favorite moments was when one of our elderly patients... a most kind, gentle, and humble man... was told by his PCP that he would soon have to give up is home and go to a nursing home. For more than a week this gentleman was visibly disturbed. His usual smile had all but disappeared, and his face was troubled.. depressed and anxious.

I could bear it no longer. I went to my patient and pulled up a stool. I took his hand and asked him if he would share his troubles with me. He slowly and timidly began to tell me the story of his life.. his two twin sons, one of whom had drowned.. why his home meant everything to him... and how if he had to go to a NH, it would surely be the "end" for him. He prided himeself on his independence as was eveident in his wellkempt and welldressed appearance.

His diabetic neuropathy was causing his legs to become nearly nonfunctional, and he was now in a wheelchair. He had no one who would look after him at home, and his PCP was fearful of him falling. He was determined not to go to a NH, however, yet felt he had no recourse.

I felt I HAD to persue this further and find out just what other options might be available to him. With some apprehension due to my "new grad" status, I approached our social worker and our NM with my concerns. With the help of the SW, we contacted community members, church members, etc. and found an aide who would come in and assisit him twice dailey, and check on him before bed. We made sure he had a "call button/ emerg'y alert" to wear about his neck.

I told him I could not guarantee that he would never have to go to LTC, but that togehter with our NM, and SW, we would prolong it as long as possible, and that ultimately, it was HIS choice.. and that noone could MAKE him go.

The smile that crept across this humble face was priceless, and I shall treasure it in my heart always. He reached out and took my hand in his, and as tears fell softly onto both our hands, he whispered "thank you".

He went on to tell me that nobody had ever gone out of their way for him like this before... intervened on his behalf...that he felt as though somebody truly took an interest in a "useless old man's concerns".. that somebody had actually LISTENED with more than the ears, but with their heart. He said that alone made him feel like a new man.

This taught me anew that there are so MANY facets to nursing... and that it goes way beyond the routine care... that which "must" be done.

It means listening with the heart and caring enough to stop and respond to the call.
And understanding that our patients are first and foremost human beings with needs and desires and pride and dignity and longings.... no different than our own.