Comfort in a Cup of Tea

meg.sullivan, BSN, RN

Self-Assurance

Each of us, regardless of our role on the healthcare team, develops a rhythm we become comfortable with that gradually allows us to acquire a level of ease. In my seventh week of medical surgical nursing clinical, I was starting to feel that assurance. I began the day by stuffing my pockets with the essentials - a couple black pens, a pair of bandage scissors, a pen light, and enough alcohol wipes to scrub every IV hub on the unit. After hanging my stethoscope around my neck, I tiptoed out from the break room to the nurses' station, not wanting to be the one to break the peace of night with the flurry of activity of days. I scanned the patient list to select my two patients for the day. One was an 82-year-old woman recovering from a pulmonary embolism.

Broken Heart Syndrome

After checking lab results and reviewing the patient's medications, I began to read the history and physical. It began like a familiar jingle. The patient was pleasant, but presented to the ER with chest pain. After a series of tests, labs, and assessments, it was determined she had a pulmonary embolism secondary to a deep vein thrombosis. Furthermore, there was dissonance; she also experienced broken heart syndrome, believed to be the conductor of all her problems. Broken heart syndrome had never been covered in a classroom lecture, much less a textbook. I pictured a fracture between the left and right atrium of the heart, the sapium no longer serving as the bond between the two. My professor remarked, "how sad," as she pointed to the broken heart syndrome diagnosis. As I continued to read the patient's history, it all began to fall into place.

For me, broken heart syndrome meant a good cry, a bowl of ice cream (read: pint of Ben & Jerry's), and a Nicholas Sparks movie. However, this woman had enjoyed over a half-century of marriage, five kids, and a lifetime of wonderful memories. The loss of love had left this widow bed stricken. Following weeks of confinement to her house, a clot dislodged and formed the pulmonary embolism. It is said, "true love leaves you breathless," but Hallmark never designs anniversary cards featuring someone gasping and wheezing.

What Can I Do to Help?

In all my initial interactions with the patient, she was sweet, but short. Her voice professed she was fine, but her eyes echoed back that she really was not. She insisted she did not want to be a burden, but also conceded she needed some help with her activities of daily living. As I entered her room for a late morning round, I noticed her staring down at her leg, which appeared a bit swollen. Despite my assessment that the inflammation was only minimal and my explanation that it was an expected finding due to the DVT, I recognized much more was bothering her than the fluid build up in her leg. I felt as helpless as she did - how could I possibly console a woman struggling to cope with the finality of the loss of a love like no other, when I had barely experienced true love myself? There was no medication or treatment I could provide, nor words to ease the pain she felt. All I could offer her was a cup of tea.

Success!

Somehow, the eight-ounce Styrofoam cup filled with the finest generic brand of decaffeinated tea was just the elixir this patient needed. The warmth of the cup radiated from her petite hands, relaxing her whole body. All the worries, the hesitations, and apprehension dissipated with the rising steam. With each sip, she revealed more about herself, and each story conveyed brought forth a new sense of assurance. While her husband's passing seemed like a tragic conclusion to the life she had known, she discovered that perhaps he was still a part of her life, as an angel watching over her new beginning.

I Made a Difference

The patient reached for my hand as I got up from the chair, and a smile spread from cheek to cheek on her timeworn face. I realized that I had not said much while she sipped her tea - however, I did not need to. After my brief, but sincere time with her, I understood that although the job may sometimes have more cacophony than harmony, it is in the vocation that I will always be able to find the melody. While the tempo may be fast-paced and the rhythm precise, as a nurse I must recognize that sometimes more is revealed in the muteness of time. That day, I learned that being a nurse goes far beyond writing care plans, hanging IV fluids, and measuring vital signs. While it may not be elaborated in a textbook, this patient helped me to understand the most meaningful and important nursing intervention I will ever be able to perform is taking the time to listen. Medications and machines cannot replace the comfort found in a conversation over a cup of tea.

sonia211, BSN · Oct 1, 2015

Sometimes the simplest thing which we often times overlook helps the most.

meg.sullivan, BSN, RN · Oct 2, 2015

So true, Sonia! It's a lesson I hope to carry with me for the rest of my career.

NotAllThoseWhoWander · Oct 7, 2015

My very first clinical is next week...This article reminded me that although technical skills are vital, I should never forget that I'm dealing with another human being. Remembering this eases my anxiety :)

meg.sullivan, BSN, RN · Oct 8, 2015

Good luck in your first clinical - so exciting! It's natural to be task-oriented, but the paperwork can always wait. So much can be gained by putting the patients at the center of your care. Wishing you all the best, NotAllThoseWhoWander!

Donna Maheady · Oct 30, 2015

So, so true. Often the little things we do are the best gifts of all.

meg.sullivan, BSN, RN · Nov 3, 2015

Thanks for thoughts, Donna. The little things are the pieces of our hearts we can share with patients.

prmenrs, RN · Nov 4, 2015

I once spent 30 minutes holding a mom's baby, watching a Mexican soap opera, while she ate and enjoyed her lunch. We chatted (in my lousy Spanish and her sl better English abt a variety of things, including what the soap was about, her baby and other inconsequential things. It was fun for both of us. I charted it as "pt education".

meg.sullivan, BSN, RN · Nov 7, 2015

Prmenrs - I am sure that meant the world to that patient. You truly showed her how much you care. Thanks for sharing!

olivianurse · Nov 8, 2015

This was what I thought nursing is all about and I still think it is but it is sad to know that sometimes we tend to forget and get distracted with passing medications and finishing tasks. This is what I feel in my clinical rotation right now, just overwhelmed with tasks. I know it will get better though. Thank you for this story

Nienna Celebrindal · Nov 9, 2015

I had a very upset patient last week who had been transferred for a higher level of care from her local hospital hours away. She had recently found out that she had a terminal disease. She was upset and grumpy. Who could blame her. She said she wished she could have a certain brand of soda. We don't have it available for patients but I float and knew a unit that had a stash they sold for nurses. I went and bought her one and sat down and talked with her for 10 minutes. The change was amazing. Might be the best 60 cents and use of a 10 minute break in every had.

meg.sullivan, BSN, RN · Nov 16, 2015

I can only imagine how happy the soda made that patient, Nienna. In the scary course of events, I am sure this little treat made her day.

Comfort in a Cup of Tea

Self-Assurance

Broken Heart Syndrome

What Can I Do to Help?

Success!

I Made a Difference

About meg.sullivan, BSN, RN

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