Gosh - what a memory for you to carry all these years. Please don't worry about it. I think that what we say in a bonafide life-threatening situation is what we are SUPOSED to say. You gave that girl hope when she needed it. She was blessed to have you there.
Sometimes all we can do is offer hope in the face of tragedy. You did everything right...rest easy!
8,864 Posts
33 Posts
6,487 Posts
I believe in being as honest as the pt can handle at the moment, and at that moment she would not have been able to handle the truth. You did just fine. You let her leave with some peace in her heart, rather than in total abject fear. Nurses in Korea and Vietnam, and I dare say in the desert now, did/do that, and it is the kindest thing to do. Please let it go. You did good.
249 Posts
Rick,
Since you said you are religious, may I be so bold as to suggest God was in control that night. He put you in that young girl's final hour for a purpose, and I believe you fulfilled it. You weren't responsible for her own relationship with Him -- only to provide her with the very best care and comfort. Which it sounds as if you gave her abundantly.
It's Christmas day...what a perfect opportunity to forgive yourself for anything you felt you left undone with her. If there were a "hugs" smilie, I would insert it here...
Warmest regards,
Michelle
1,300 Posts
Durin a routine heart cath,the arota was punctured. The room went crazy and I found myself holding the patients hand. He looked directly in my eyes and asked me the same thing, am I going to die?
In my most reassuring voice I told him we are doing everything possible for him, and he is talking to me about it. The whole time I was shaking in my shoes. We stabilized him and off to surgery he went.
After shift I was compelled to see this patient. He was out of it, but I sat on his bed and just kept talking and praying. He died 3 days later. I will never forget the look on his face as he asked me if he was going to die.
When he expired, I felt he never did die, he went to a better place and I held his hand through part of the journey. So did you. And bless you for that
11,191 Posts
human nature dictates that we need time to psychologically prepare ourselves to die.
this young woman, did not have the time that is needed.
it was an emergent situation.
you offered her reassurance, and comfort.
trust me.
she made peace with the Lord.
more notable, the Lord made her peaceful.
as someone else stated, you were her Angel that noc.
let it go.
your pt is free.
you deserve the same.
leslie
rustie
2 Posts
There are no right answers in this case. You told her what you and she both wanted/needed to hear. This gave her the ability to be calm at a critical time. That can also give someone the wherewithall to fight. I know it is hard to get some things out of your head and telling you to is futile but each time you think about it you have to think of all the good things you have done and know that you did what you had to do.