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Discussion

Death

I know this may sound silly to some of you, but I had a sudden death yesterday that really upset me. Yes, I have worked LTC for 8 years and have had many residents expire. This is the FIRST one that was sudden and unexpected for me. He had health issues, but was stable! I was so shocked and felt awful that he died alone. He was a CMO, but I still wonder if I should have known. Most of our resident pass away slowly, or are sent out when they are acutely ill, so this threw me for a loop. I just can't get the look of his face out of my head.

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    What's a CMO?

    I had one death that really threw me, right after my fathers. They're always sad even when a blessing.

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    What's a CMO?

    I had one death that really threw me, right after my fathers. They're always sad even when a blessing.

    CMO= comfort measures only

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    This thread shows me you care about your patients.It's also notable that you feel this way after 8 years in long term care, where many staff get accustomed to death. Thank you for that! :hug:

    Unfortunately, we can't always predict when death will occur. All we can do is explore the event, identify what changes should occur (if any) and implement them. This way you're honoring your patient's memory.

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    Thank you so much for the kind words. It was just sort of traumatic for me with the way the patient was postioned and the blood pooling. I have seen death many times like I said before, but not quite like that. Heart breaking too.

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    I ease my pain by reminding myself that the patients who die suddenly are the lucky ones....we've all seen the pain and suffering that can occur during the dying process...

    This way, you can remember him as he would want to be remembered.

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    I agree it says a lot that is very good about you that you still have that sensitivity, schmoo. There is a certain comfort in knowing that because it was so sudden he was probably spared some discomfort. With a slow decline or acute illness there is more time to say goodbye "psychologically". Sometimes it's puzzling to see someone look fine one day, and die the next, and it's natural to wonder what happened. Bless you. :redpinkhe

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    Glad to find this thread!

    I have only been working for 2 months but I have been accepted by and grown close to the residents like they are my family very quickly. I am honest with them and care about them and treat them like they would be my parents/grandparents.

    This week the hall I was assigned to on the days I worked had a dying patient. During my orientation, my preceptors would give her her meds so I did not get to care for her until I started working on this hall by myself. I knew she was dying and most of her meds were d/c'd except for the narcotics to be administered SL. When I was her nurse I kept her comfortable with meds, and kept the family involved and informed. They would let me know if she began to appear in pain or restless and I would finish up with whichever resident I was giving meds to and go to her next.

    As of last night her respirations were poor and she had apnea for up to a minute. Hasn't consumed any food or drink for weeks. I felt terrible. This was my first patient who I had cared for on my own that was dying. I cannot stop thinking about her or her family and the pain they must be going through.

    I do not work again until later this week so I pray that my resident has a comfortable death and rests peacefully.

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    • Guides

    Sounds like you are attentive and responsive to the family, the family is involved and supportive, and the lady has appropriate meds ordered if needed and is not in a great deal of discomfort. Not eating/drinking- her body is shutting down.

    I know this may sound weird, but I'll always remember the first birth I saw as a nurse, as well as the first death. I can't say that a death is actually "good", but it is inevitable and it sounds like this one may be pretty close to a positive experience as death can be. Good job. Hope you always feel sensitive and caring in that way. :redpinkhe

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