Grieving Families/hospice or faculity programs

[tweetyd]

i recently lost my niece of 7 years. she drowned. after three days of life support.

i realized that nicu is a very intense unit, yet the three days we ie: the family spent day and night with her. not once did any one come to us and prepare this very untimely death.

on the eve of her dimise i came to the unit seeing and reconizing the end i was told i could not be there. not only was i angry but the tone was hard to swallow. still no-one for family to talk to.

her mom was asleep in the next room i sat by her. she asked how is she i stated in the hands of god. she died 1hour later. still no one. her mom of course was devastated. i was the last to tell her auntie loves her we will meet again.

i was outdone that not even a chaplin was called for the grieving.

aren't hospital dealing with the whole patient and concerned about the family? are there no pallitive, or hospice resources?

also so nurse training on empathy.

'you must go plays thru my mind every day. you will never hear this out of my mouth ever.

auntie luvs u my little angel

[RNin2007]

I am so sorry you went through an experience like this and very sorry about your little niece =(. I too lost my nephew in a tragic accident, but not in a hospital situation. I am a hospice volunteer and can't even fathom that the staff was so insensitive to not even ask the family if they would like a visit with the chaplain, or even that the nurse/s caring for her did not do their part. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

(((hugs)))

~J

[tweetyd]

You are precious. My prayers are also with you

[traumaRUs, MSN, APRN]

So very sorry for your loss. Maybe later (after the initial grief has dissipated slightly), you could write a letter from the family's point of view about your feelings and address it to the Chief Nursing Officer and the head chaplain. I work in an ER and deal with death often and we always, always allow the family to be present if they wish, even in the case of trauma. I'm so very sorry.