How do Nurses cope with the death of a patient?

akulahawkRN, ADN, RN, EMT-P · Mar 18, 2013

Death is an inevitable result of life. We all will die. Some of your patients will die before you do. It's OK to socialize with your patients, even the ones that you know are dying. That can bring the patient a level of comfort that can not be given by any medication, and is as much a part of nursing as doing the med pass, assessing patients, checking labs, and so on.

I have had patients die and while it's a sad moment, I take solace in knowing that their troubles are over and that I enjoyed my time with them. If I was actively coding that patient, I understand that I did absolutely everything that I could to nudge (or even shove) the patient toward life and if the patient was too far sick to step back from death, so be it.

Death really doesn't seem to affect me as much as some of my peers, probably because I've come to terms with it.

uRNmyway, ASN, RN · Mar 18, 2013

To add to the previous poster, you also just develop a thicker skin with time. I think our first patient death is always difficult, with those after a little easier to handle. Ask some our AN Old Bitties though (Love you ladies, and know that most will know I'm joking ), even with years and years of experience, some cases will still hurt.

Best thing, although I'm not sure how exactly to describe HOW, is to remember to leave work at work. You are upset at losing a patient, go shed a few tears in the bathroom, heck, maybe even with patient's family if appropriate. Then wipe them away and move on.

It also helps to talk with your colleagues about loss.

RNperdiem, RN · Mar 18, 2013

I socialize with my patients if I get the sense that the patient is seeking socialization. Some people would rather be left alone, as cold as that might sound. I will show a polite interest in how a patient is feeling and see how they respond.

I remember being in a lot of pain during labor and really wishing that my chatty and outgoing sister would give me some quiet.

The human mortality rate remains unchanged at 100%. For nurses, it can be comforting that you gave the patient the best care at the end of life.