A quick story to share

Published

Specializes in Transgender Medicine.

I'm brand new to the ER after a couple years of floor nursing. I'm lovin' it so far, and I had a reflection I wanted to post here.

Last night I saved a life and watched one slip away. A chest pain came in and was a classic STEMI. Got him off to cath lab with no probs. Then a classic stroke came in with right sided paralysis, puking, miserable, but still oriented. Scanned him...and saw a HUGE bleed. It was too far gone for any tx. Brought him back down to his son who spoke with him until he could no longer respond. Did comfort measures for less than an hr and then he passed. :crying2: Just thinking about how radically different the outcomes were. And both came in within 15 minutes of each other.

Going back to bed now.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Med Surg,.

I always want to ask "what if?" Just what if he lived? God called and he answered; therefore, I am left out of the equation, only to wonder. The situation sounds like you are knowledgable, and good at what you do. I would have no problem comming into your place of employment as an emergency case.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I think some of our most meaningful work is with the dying and their families, not the ones we save.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Emergency Department, House Supervisor.

Sounds like a night to remember. I have had a few of these. It is good that you can remember both things. That will be key in keeping you from succumbing to "hardening."

SyckRN

Up Vote Up Vote ×

people in the world dont always realize how much goes into nursing...."taking care" of people means physically, mentally, and spiritually....that family will always remember the comfort they were shown and the dignity you showed their loved one! God Bless you!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Trauma/ED.

I've had quite a few cases that I'll never forget. I remember my wife told me once, "You are the last person to see some of your patients, how does that make you feel?" It's so easy to just move from one task to another until the patient is gone but thinking about what she said made me take that extra couple minutes to just talk to my patients. I connected with even more patients after making this effort.

To the OP, thanks for sharing your story...your compassion is quite evident and welcome to the exciting and challenging world of ED nursing :-)

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion