First time dealing with resident death today..

gt4everpn, BSN, RN · May 23, 2008

It is very sad when a patient dies, and when the family comes and is grieving it hits you home! I've had a couple of resident die under my care one was very sick and was expected to go, his wife had asked me when she thought he would pass and i told her maybe then next day, it turned out 2 hours after having that conversation with her he passed, i felt so bad, the other death was unexpected, i called the family 2am but noone responded so they basically woke up to bad news, you really see how people go and come, and how each unit changes, i float in the facility where i work and if i havent been on a certain floor for a while when i ask about so and so resident they've passed on, its truly amazing and saddening.

1uvakindmom · May 23, 2008

Death of a resident, even if you aren't "attatched" to them is hard. It's so strange to deal with. I have been working in a nursing home for 3 months now, and have dealt with two deaths. One was a resident I was close to. I didnt know him for very long, but he was such a sweet man. I loved to listen to him tell stories of his family and when he was growing up. It was very hard for me to watch him go, but he was in pain and had his family by his side. It's just so surreal to see. I dont think it will ever be something I will "get used to". When you see a body, you expect it to be alive...so when you don't see the chest moving in breath, it almost doesnt look real. And it's so hard. I hear you there.

Missy

1EmergencyRN · May 24, 2008

In your role, you will see this happen time and again. As a former CNA, and now an RN I have always found that looking at the fact that this person was able to live their life (in the LTC setting) gives some peace to the situation. Many people leave us far earlier than that - and looking at it as a blessing or just as a positive is helpful. Regardless, we wouldn't be good at being caring nurses if we didn't have these types of emotions that play into our work. Doing what you can to remain strong and healthy is important too.

geoffreyg · May 26, 2008

Take comfort that you did the right thing for this gentleman. Hygiene care, a peaceful atmosphere and loving touch mean more than we know for end-of-life care. It means so much to the family also. Somewhere this man is thanking you for your TLC.

I've lost regulars I loved as much as my mom or grandma. At work, we talk about their personality and their smile and their gratitude and all our memories of them. Even through the sadness, we're still blessed to help them and to have known them.