47 Posts
1 Article; 5,115 Posts
Yeah, the kisses on the hand got to me every time. The last one was at a huge camporee where we had an old fella wander into our med tent about 0800 with chest pain. He said he'd been having it for awhile but wanted to wait until we had a chance to have our breakfast before he bothered us. We fell to, got him oxygen and ready to transport, and as he's rolling out he's offering us special patches from his council and all. I have no idea what happened to him but he kissed my hand.
2,628 Posts
I posted on an NICU support page on Facebook one night, and several days later, I get the following: "Bortaz! You probably don't remember us, but we definitely remember you! You took care of our baby in the NICU and I have always wanted to tell you how grateful we are for the excellent care and love you gave to our sick daughter! You will always have a place in our hearts and in our lives! You're an angel on earth!"
Fact is, I DID remember them (one of my favorite babies/families) and have seen the sweet baby several times since, at church.
And you're right...it makes it all worth it.
1,026 Posts
4 Posts
Oh gosh. I can't tell you how fortunate your patients are. Kind nurses make the all difference in the throes of pain and discomfort.
I remember I was going in for surgery once, I felt exposed, isolated and totally upset. I was crying as they were administering the IV, a nurse just came up to me and held my hand. It was like she was empathizing what I was going through and she was supporting me. I felt less alone. I started to relax (or it could have been the meds) and she was there when I woke up.
On the other hand, in post-op for a d/c I remember a very unkind nurse. She was slapping my hand to get the blood flowing to start an IV, and it wasn't in a funny or joking manner. It was more like nurse ratchet. When I was waking up from the IV I felt nauseous, not overwhelmingly nauseous just a bit anxious and upset at what I went through. This nurse literally tossed me one of those cardboard barf receptacles. I felt humiliated. The choice of some anti-emetics, ginger ale, a cool cloth, or even just a couple kind words to help distract me from what I was going through would have made a world of difference.
So to the kind and conscientious nurses, thank you.
2,942 Posts
1,781 Posts
As a nursing student, I had a patient thank me "for all you did for me today" when I went in to say goodbye at the end of my shift. All I had done was help her to/from the toilet, change her gown, give her a basin to wash up, change her linens, bring her ice water, etc. -- just basic stuff that any human being could do, not even anything requiring any specialized nursing training.
But when you're in a position of needing help, even the most basic things are vitally important to you at that time.
I hope that as I become a seasoned nurse, I am able to stave off the cynicism that comes from dealing with the entitled, so that I can retain the kindness to serve the needy.
223 Posts
Working in LTC, this weekend a family came to see their mom and she has been at our facility for about a month. On their way out the family stopped and said "thank you for all the care you give our mom. We can tell she is happy here and we are very happy with the care she receives" Wow....made my day!
4 Posts
Recently one of my Leukemic pts decided to stop treatment. His family was ok with this decision, as was his health team. He could have gone to hospice. His wife asked if he could stay on our unit, as he was expected to live only a few days. She said "Y'all have shared his life, now we share his death." His family was happy he (and they) were with familiar faces, rather than strangers. He had been in treatment for many years. It's nice to be appreciated.
Altra, BSN, RN
6,255 Posts
Thanks for sharing. :)
I recently took care of an older gentleman with a traumatic injury that was, even to our experienced eyes, horrible to look at. The surgical/rehab course would be long and difficult, with an uncertain outcome even for a man half his age. Not only did he not complain, but he seemed to take it in stride, expressed absolutely no bitterness, worry or fear, and spent most of our conversation asking me about myself -- how late did I have to work, did I have a far drive home, etc.
It definitely put a different frame on a day otherwise filled with the neediness of the not-very-sick.