Dear Patient - thankyou for reminding me why I nurse

[snoopy29]

Dear Patient

The shift started out like many before. I knew it was going to be a good night because I was working the floor. I was in the trauma room and a pre-alert call came in. The paramedics said they were bringing in an elderly patient with a suspected leaking triple A. Theatre space was cleared and anaesthetics and surgeons came down to await your arrival.

You arrived and clearly were critically unwell and yet you shook the Dr's hand and apologised for all the fuss you were causing. We whipped into action, taking vital signs, getting IV access and a quick scan was performed confirming the suspected diagnosis. The surgeon gently explained your choices, he could proceed with major surgery which was risky in the best circumstances but further complicated by your existing medical conditions or they could keep you comfortable until you died. You reflected for a few moments then thanked the Doctor for his honesty and said you didn't want surgery and were ready to die.

The Doctors melted away leaving just you and I. Apart from pain relief all treatment was withdrawn. Your family were en route but whilst we waited you told me about your life. You had fought for our country during the second world war and had met and married your wife shortly afterwards. You told me that your wife had been the love of your life, she had died two years previously and you looked forward to being with her again. You told me about your romantic proposal by the riverside which had gone horribly wrong when the ring you had spent ages saving for had dropped in the water.

You told me you weren't frightened by the prospect of dying. You had seen many peers die during the war and saw it simply as part of life's journey. You had been in hospital for a short while during the war and that you thought nurses were wonderful.

The Doctors had told you that you had very little time left and I asked if there was anything you wanted or needed before you died. "Just to see my children" you said. They arrived and came to sit with you. You told all of them how much you loved them, how proud you were of them and thanked them for being your family. You reassured them that you believed you were going to be with the woman you loved, your wife.

Shortly after they arrived you closed you eyes and died in a way that I imagined you lived your life - peacefully, with dignity and without any fuss. I left you alone with your family to say their final goodbyes.

Your family told me what a wonderful father you had been. Although deeply saddened by your death you had made things easier - you has spoken with them some years ago about your wishes after you had died and had proudly ensured that everything was in order for when you did.

So my patient - thankyou. I feel humble to have met you and priviledged to have shared your final moments. Some days I do go home and think is it worth it? but having a patient like you makes every bad moment worthwhile

your nurse

[Morning-glory]

What a touching post.

[CrazierThanYou]

Simply beautiful.

[hearts895, RN BSN]

Beautiful & touching.

[baby girl]

What a lovely person he sounds he sounds like he was lucky to have you also. It is wonderful to have such great reminders to make up for all the rest!!

[DebRN06]

Thank you, thank you, thank you for sharing that!! So beautiful and touching!

[carolinapooh, BSN, RN]

OMG OMG I'm sitting here crying - that might be the most beautiful thing I've ever read. Thank you for sharing.

And on a side note if I ever find an old ring by a river in England (I caught the whilst) I'll know it was hers. :0)

[sparklie.lady]

You tell the story beautifully and it is a beautiful story to tell. I'm only a student, but THIS is why I want to nurse.

[gigi01]

beautiful!!!!!!!!!!!

[P_RN, ADN, RN]

Splendid, I write through my tears of joy for this patient and his Nurse.

[blondy2061h, MSN, RN]

Posts like this are the reason I read allnurses.

[Jackie629]

An amazing story!! THank you for sharing!!! *sniffle*