How close do you get to your patients?

[PedsNurse1981]

This is somewhat of an issue for me. I just would like to know how close you guys get to your patients, especially if they're terminal? I've heard mixed feelings on the subject being that there are nurses who feel it's ok to let your heart become involved because it's enabling a close rapport with the patient and family and in some ways makes for better care. Then there are other nurses who say that you should keep a professional distance, not let your heart become involved and leave work at work or else you're going to experience an emotional breakdown. What are your opinions on this?

[reyna]

i've worked in an LTC for awhile and i don't think one can work in that kind of an environment without being close to the residents. you take care of them for long periods of time. get to know them and their family. they trust you. they share their fears, their pain. it's impossible to NOT get close. but being friends and being their nurse should work hand in hand. i trully believe that you give better care if you care for the person.

[LPN4Life]

I love my residents dearly, I've cried with family members, cried with residents, prayed with them, held their hand when they were scared, offered an ear when they needed to talk. I just plain love my residents and wouldn't have it any other way.

[jnette, ASN, EMT-I]

I love my residents dearly, I've cried with family members, cried with residents, prayed with them, held their hand when they were scared, offered an ear when they needed to talk. I just plain love my residents and wouldn't have it any other way.

Ditto to all the above posts.

Where I go, my heart goes with me, as I am nothing without it. And if you "leave your heart at home"... what do you have to offer your patients?

YES IT HURTS when they go... but you can still rejoice in knowing that you gave of yourself to improve what time they had left.

My patients are WORTH the pain I feel at their loss.