Most Fulfilling Nursing Experience

MollyMo · Sep 9, 2002

Two good memories out of thousands that always stand out in my mind. First, a patient that I was talking to went into v-tach right in the middle of the conversation. Successful code--he made a full recovery. He sent me a card and said "Thanks for saving my life." Second, another code. Another success. I saw him in the store one day and we started to talk. I asked if he remembered. He said" I remember somebody with the thing on my face and somebody jumping up and down on my chest yelling my name." I told him that was me. He told everybody in the store about the "angel that saved his life." Things like that make the crap worthwhile. I'm in nursing for people like them. :cool:

pickledpepperRN · Sep 9, 2002

Maybe not the most rewarding but I was just thinking about a patient who had an MI.

His EKG looked scary. He did not believe he had had a heart attack. This guy told me, "I work out and I'm only 52."

"Please just let me go home so I can pet my dog"

He was on nitroglycerine and Heparin drips awaiting an angiogram in the AM. His admitting MD was willing to let him sign out AMA.

I argued, explained, and listened to music to distract this guy all night.

Turned out his LAD (widowmaker) was 99% occluded. He had angioplasty with a stent then went home the next night in a cab.

For 24 hours he could have died.

I saw his after a year. He yelled at me, "This is the mean nurse that wouldn't let me go home. Can you see I am fine?"

Yes he is. I am glad. I truly believe he would have died.

There are so many patients I will never forget. He was the least pleased with my care but just as unforgetable as the thankful ones.

tiredernurse · Sep 9, 2002

suzannasue - I am a pretty hardened nurse. Your story made me cry. How wonderful! I work in the ER and don't often get follow up but will occassional have pts contact me re outcome or to give thanks. It's what the job is all about. Shame on your charge nurse though. I'm all for strict visiting hours, and pts needing rest but I think this was an exception. It must have been torture for both your little patient and their parents. Your story does confirm my belief in miricles.