Feeling sentimental .... patient death today

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Specializes in Pulmonary, Lung Transplant, Med/Surg.

After today I can honestly say that I feel so sorry for nurses who see their job as "just a job" or "just a paycheck". They are missing out on so much.

Holding the hand of both a dying patient and their wife is such a powerful moment. Nursing doesn't have to be "just a job"...your patients and their families take notice when it means more than that to you, I can promise you that.

I started my home health adventure in October and quickly acquired this patient. He was ornery and stubborn. I immediately loved him and we soon developed a close, trusting nurse-patient relationship. Unfortunately, this afternoon I had to say my goodbyes to him, I feel so blessed that the family called and asked me to come be with them.

Nursing isn't "just a job" -- it doesn't have to feel like a calling, just something you pour your heart and soul into. I promise you'll get an overflowing heart in return.

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I think it's good you had a positive experience, but not everyone has to look at the profession the same way you do.

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Specializes in Pulmonary, Lung Transplant, Med/Surg.
I think it's good you had a positive experience, but not everyone has to look at the profession the same way you do.

I apologize, I never meant for the post to sound judgmental or condescending.

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I apologize, I never meant for the post to sound judgmental or condescending.

It didn't sound that way to me. I feel the same way you do and also remember the first time I held a patient's hand as she slipped away as if it were yesterday. It was 16 years ago.

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Specializes in ICU.

I want to word this carefully, but please accept the fact that, for some of us, after 10, 15, 20 years of that sort of thing, day after day, names are quickly forgotten and they all become one big blur in one's memory. I'll just leave it at that.

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Specializes in Pulmonary, Lung Transplant, Med/Surg.
I want to word this carefully but please accept the fact that, for some of us, after 10, 15, 20 years of that sort of thing, day after day, names are quickly forgotten and they all become one big blur in one's memory. I'll just leave it at that.[/quote']

I can respect that, I've only been around for 4 years and I don't recall every patient by any means. The ones I do remember are the ones I've lost and their families thanking the nurses for being there for them. That's all I really meant, that they notice when a nurse goes out of their way to be there when they need it most. I can't say what I'll be like in 10, 20, or 30 years but I do hope I feel the same way.

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Thank you for sharing your story. For me, nursing isn't "just a job" either. I love what I do.. :)

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

I'm pleased you had such a beautiful experience with your patient and his family. We all can certainly learn something from it.

Everyone's views on death and dying are drastically different. Personally, I'd rather maintain some emotional distance for reasons that revolve around my self-preservation.

Don't get me wrong. I hug, hold hands and offer my support during challenging times, but I also try to forget names and faces once my shift ends for the sake of my personal sanity. I'd shatter like glass if I grew overly attached to every patient and family member who has ever crossed my path.

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