A Tribute to George

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Specializes in OB,HH.

Ive been a HH nurse for 5 years now and today I lost a long timer. he became my patient because he was too crabby for the others, he was a "hard stick" for all the blood draws, he was in chronic pain and was non-compliant. I took him on because I told him he didnt scare me and he could go ahead and cuss me out, I was a big girl and could take it, and he finally smiled and said I know, thats why I like you. Under the crusty exterior was a smart, interesting man. Over the years we became friends and as I helped this once dignified man and his devoted wife battle all the indignities of old age, pain and illness, my admiration for his strength and character grew. A week ago he came home after yet another GI bleed and decided no more dialysis, no more transfusions. It was time to go. I helped get him admitted to hospice and posted all my personal #'s on the fridge and told the family to call me anytime. My last call came this morning and I went and helped him for the last time. I will never forget him and I will miss George.

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It is so hard to lose a patient that you feel like you have really connected with and that you know their life was better because of the time/effort you gave to them. Sorry for your loss, but remember YOU made a difference in his life and he was and always will be grateful to you for that. Keep on giving the best care you can, the world is a better place when we care for others in need.

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Specializes in oncology, trauma, home health.

Thank you for being such a great nurse.

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Specializes in Hemodialysis, Home Health.

We do get attached, don't we? :o

Been there, done that, as I'm sure most of us have. Never easy, always sad.. even when we know their suffering is over.

Having worked both dialysis and HH, I do know what you're feeling, and I empathize.

(((gentle hugs)))

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