Dealing with Death...

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I recently experienced my first patient death during my preceptorship as a student. The night it happened I think that I tried to not think about it too much. I couldn't decide if I should be freaked out by the fact that I had to touch and be in the same room as a dead body or that I should feel happy knowing that I was able to be there to try and comfort the spouse and family members through a rough and unexpected time. I went home to sleep the next day and had nightmares all day of this person. I know that death is a very common issue that is dealt with in the healthcare profession but I don't think that it makes it any easier knowing that. Just wondering what others have done to deal with death and what makes you feel better? thank you...

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Specializes in CCU, SICU, CVSICU, Precepting & Teaching.
I recently experienced my first patient death during my preceptorship as a student. The night it happened I think that I tried to not think about it too much. I couldn't decide if I should be freaked out by the fact that I had to touch and be in the same room as a dead body or that I should feel happy knowing that I was able to be there to try and comfort the spouse and family members through a rough and unexpected time. I went home to sleep the next day and had nightmares all day of this person. I know that death is a very common issue that is dealt with in the healthcare profession but I don't think that it makes it any easier knowing that. Just wondering what others have done to deal with death and what makes you feel better? thank you...

I try to feel good about helping the family through what is one of the worst days of their lives. Sometimes, I'm there with the patient when they can't be, and so I try to feel good that at least he wasn't alone. And often, I'm relieved that the patient's suffering is finally over and they can be at peace.

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Specializes in Med Surg.

Like any part of the job, it takes getting used to. I'll never forget my first patient death. I was in the room when he died and, while I sobbed in the car on the way home, I realized how special it was to be there at the end with his family. I've experienced several since then and I derive great satisfaction from being able to care for the person and his or her family. It's a special, unique gift that nurses are given to be there for someone at the end.

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Many deaths behind me. Hardest ones are the ones no one expected to die now(otherwise healthy person who codes, came to hospital for some simple procedure and doesn't make it). Others you adapt to. Death is a fact. Don't know anybody 200yrs old.

Experienced a lot of death when I worked nursing home. As you have to go on with your day you can't let it linger. Coming from a religious background I find I can take a few seconds and pray a simple prayer used at funerals etc. Eternal rest grant to him/her Oh Lord and let Your perpetual light shine on him/ her. May he/she rest in peace. Amen. Then I'm ready to go on.

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Specializes in Med-Surg and Ambulatory Care (multispecialty).

I work on an acute care floor in a nursing home, but we do have a lot of hospice patients. I usually have the hospice assignment. As a new nurse it wasn't easy at first, but I consider it a great privilege and honor to take care of these patients (and their families) during their last days.

On my days off I try not to let work get into my head. I enjoy the time with my family even more now and I go for some very long runs to get everything out.

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Specializes in Oncology; medical specialty website.

Agree with others. I hate to say it this way, but to a certain degree, it gets a little easier as time goes on, because you become more focused on what you did for the patient.

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Specializes in Ambulatory Surgery, Ophthalmology, Tele.

The first time a patient died during my shift I had some warning from the doctor and the dialysis nurse. The patient was not doing well during dialysis. The dialysis nurse paged the doctor to come by. The doctor pretty much told me that the patient would not make it to the end of my shift. He was very sick and DNR status. The doctor would be making rounds at another hospital and if the patient passed that two nurses could call the time death. I grabbed another more seasoned nurse and when the time came, we called it.

I cry so easily with sad/touching movies but I am strong when it comes to offering support to patients. The hardest thing for me, I had to walk out for a moment, was when the older (teenage) grandchildren came in to say good bye.

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Specializes in Critical Care, Education.

Nursing practice can be fraught with emotionally distressing events. There is evidence that exposure to these events can lead to Cumulative Traumatic Stress Disorder among people in a "helping profession". Please don't think that simply 'getting used to it' is the only answer. If you are experiencing symptoms such sleep disorder or anxiety/sadness - please seek appropriate assistance. Your company's employee assistance program can point you in the right direction if necessary.

Be kind to yourself. We want you to hang in there long enough to become a crusty old bat in a few decades.

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Specializes in Med-Surg and Ambulatory Care (multispecialty).

Very true HouTx. It's important to be aware of how work affects you and know that there is help available when you need it.

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