would it be appropiate for me to attend the funeral?

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Hi. I worked on this case for 5 months with a 7 month old baby who just passed. I was doing private duty nursing for the baby. My agency gave me the service times and everything,but I was just wondering would it be appropiate? I was attached to the child very much. If it isn't appropiate to attend the funeral what other things could I do to show condolences?

Well,I did attend the funeral. I took some advice from an older thread,from 2002 about wearing a scrub so people could know who you are. I took that advice and got a few stares,but nothing else. None of the other nurses wore one,though. I thought it would have been more apprpropiate to but I guess not. It did help me gain some closure.

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Specializes in Leaning towards Trauma and Lifeflight.

A 7mnth old didn't get a chance to make many friends...you were one. Chances are good that the mother will see you as perhaps the ONLY one who REALLY understands what she feels. Go.

Stay in the backround but go.

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I have attended. Stayed for just a couple minutes. I think from now on I will not go. Due to the fact it seems there is a line between patient and nurse and the families. Maybe if you wish you'd go just for 4 minutes and leave.

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Specializes in hospice, pediatric oncology.

I worked with children who had cancer and in home hospice for 10 years. I attended many viewings at funeral homes on my own time. I arrived about a half hour before the viewing session was over whenever possible. The family members were ALWAYS so appreciative that I cared. They took me around to meet everyone and told them all that I was the nurse who cared so well for their loved one. I could stay to the end and not make excuses for leaving, and when the others left, I had a few minutes with the family while they came to grips with the knowledge that the coffin was going to be closed. I could see how they were coping. I NEVER regretted one time. It was VERY appropriate and I love that you care enough to ask if it is.

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Specializes in neuro, ortho, peds, home, home cardiac.

You absolutely should attend, and as much for you as for the child's family. Though you are a professional, you are also starting to progress through the stages of grieving. Consider writing a short, simple note to the family, expressing how your care of the child will enhance the care you provide for every patient hence. You may have trouble recalling the names of some of your college dorm mates, but you are unlikely to forget the names of patients such as this one...

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Specializes in L&D.

I have gone to the funerals of both moms and/or babies that have been under my care. The families have all expressed gratitude when nurses and/or doctors have attended.

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I am a home health nurse and my company always offers us the option of going to our patients funerals and there are always a few people from our company at every patients funeral. Particularly in the case of private duty/home health nursing you become as close to the patient and family as it is possible to get and it can help to give you a sense of closure and shows support for the family. I'm sorry for your loss.

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Specializes in Medical/Surgical.

We had caregivers that took care of my grandfather. They provided excellent care and it was obvious that they truly cared about him. When he passed away, we listed his caregiver's names in the "survived by" section of his obituary. They truly made his life and ours much easier. They became part of the family and we felt they deserved the recognition. I don't think attending the funeral is inappropriate at all. It would probably mean a lot to the family.

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Specializes in NICU.

i work in the nicu and we always try to make sure at least two nurses attend the viewing/funeral. our families always seem to appreciate knowing that we truly cared about their little one. i personally have been to several funerals and viewing and it's nice to have a last time to say goodbye.

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Specializes in LTC, Psych, Hospice.

I often attend wakes/viewings for my pts. My company actually pays us to go (berevement). Sometimes I need to experience the closure.

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