emotional attachment.......

[cindimc]

I just wanted to get your opinions about what areas of nursing I should consider going into. I'm worried about situations where I would maybe see the same patints on a daily basis and I don't want to get too emotionaly attatched with my patients. My Mom worries about me going into Nursing. She says I'm too soft hearted. I can't wait to start school(jan. 2005). I figured that when we do clinical rotations I will know more what direction I'm headed in. Anyhoo, thx for any and all replies/ advice.

[chris_at_lucas_RN, RN]

Consider that when a patient "takes a piece of your heart" (and they can), you will also be receiving something in return.

We cannot help it. This is the way humans are who interact sincerely with other humans (and other living creatures, but that's for another time).

When we have that, we are fed spiritually by the work we do, not just drained by it.

But we do have to keep things in balance. Eat well, rest, have fun, hug babies. Make eye contact. Laugh.

In short, live.

Thanks for this wonderful thread.

[nursemike, ASN, RN]

Consider that when a patient "takes a piece of your heart" (and they can), you will also be receiving something in return.

We cannot help it. This is the way humans are who interact sincerely with other humans (and other living creatures, but that's for another time).

When we have that, we are fed spiritually by the work we do, not just drained by it.

But we do have to keep things in balance. Eat well, rest, have fun, hug babies. Make eye contact. Laugh.

In short, live.

Thanks for this wonderful thread.

I truly LOVE your "sign off"! Also your philosophy of nursing. That, I think, is where the "art" comes in--putting more than just your time and effort into, but your heart and soul as well. The trick does seem to be to keep it in balance. My taoist tendencies tell me that sometimes it's good to weep, but never to lose your whole self.

[Celia M, ASN, RN]

A good nurse often becomes attatched to their patients. The trick is not to let it take over your life. I think it's something thay you learn to deal with as you gain experience. There are many nurses who have had patients and families they have grown attatched to. If you are worried about that consider ambulatory surgical centers :)

[leslie :-D]

Consider that when a patient "takes a piece of your heart" (and they can), you will also be receiving something in return.

We cannot help it. This is the way humans are who interact sincerely with other humans (and other living creatures, but that's for another time).

When we have that, we are fed spiritually by the work we do, not just drained by it.

But we do have to keep things in balance. Eat well, rest, have fun, hug babies. Make eye contact. Laugh.

In short, live.

Thanks for this wonderful thread.

there you go chris....we do receive so much from our patients as it can end up being a very interdependent and therapeutic relationship for nurse and patient. this also applies to the not so pleasant experiences, as there is much to be learned from all of our interactions here on earth.

albeit, i don't eat well or rest but DO make eye contact, hug babies, dogs and elderly; and always, always laugh. i just love it when i meet someone that SO gets it. thanks girlie.

[suzy253, RN]

I have a big soft spot in my heart for the elderly and in the hospital we rotated, there is a large elderly population. I was caring for one patient and it was his roommate who made my day as a student. My patient was also depressed so I would go out of my way to bring him around so to speak. I knew he was a NY Yankee fan (as am I) so I would talk about them....his eyes just lit up and he talked, joked, smiled, laughed with me. His roommate gave me the greatest compliment--asking how long I was a student nurse, how long until graduation and he said that I would make a great nurse--said I was well suited for it b/c some nurses don't take the time (or just don't have the time) to touch someone elses life. He said he could hear me laughing down the hallway (not too sure if that was such a good thing though!) and always smiling..not just at my patients but all of them and my eyes just sparkle (maybe I was having an allergic reaction?). As a student, it was such a compliment b/c you're forever doubting your abilities, if you're doing things right, if it matters, etc. I make sure I gently touch my patient's shoulder, hand, comfort them, etc. I hope I can still be able to do this when I'm set free in the 'real world'. :)

[leslie :-D]

oh suzy, once you become a nurse, not only will you be set free but FEEL free to touch your patients in many different ways. you're going to shine.

leslie :kiss

[chris_at_lucas_RN, RN]

And I think we are going to love nursing!

[suzy253, RN]

Oh Leslie...you're such a sweety. :blushkiss

I don't care what they say about you. only joking. :)

[leslie :-D]

I don't care what they say about you. only joking. :)

:imbar you know suzy, i've been teased with that line all my life.....

please, don't send me back to that bad bad doctor to make me find out what it really is all about... :chuckle