How do you shake off the horrible?

caliotter3 · Mar 20, 2015

Busy yourself with an unrelated activity. Practice "stop" when intrusive thoughts enter your mind. Deliberately think about something else. Give yourself ten minutes per day to wallow in the problematic memories, then stop and do something else. If you have not cut down on the bad memories after a reasonable length of time, or they overwhelm you, consider professional counseling.

JustKeepSmiling, ADN, BSN, RN · Mar 20, 2015

There's a couple patients I still think about sometimes. Especially clinic pts I got to know. I don't think I'll ever be able to shake it... they remind me why I am a nurse.

What you are asking is something every healthcare provider struggles with. I recently read about paramedics suicide rate increasing because of what they have had to deal with, truly sad. Counseling can be a wonderful cathartic avenue.

calivianya, BSN, RN · Mar 20, 2015

Honestly, sometimes I have to dissociate what I'm seeing from being involved with a real person, because if I thought about how what I was seeing and doing was happening to a real live human being, I would probably just walk out. I am pretty good at dissociating like that when I need to.

Farawyn · Mar 20, 2015

Be gentle with yourself. Talk with other nurses. Know you tried to do what you could, but that some things are beyond your control. Know that life sucks sometimes. Know that we all go through it, and as we continue to deal with humans and illness we will continue to go through it. Know that this will build your character and make you a better nurse. It's called Experience.

Libby1987 · Mar 20, 2015

A lot of talking, mindless exercise drowned with music, changing the subject to make up, time. Eventually I get perspective.

Farawyn · Mar 20, 2015

...mindless exercise drowned with music...

This.

ixchel · Mar 20, 2015

I think some of these responses have helped with perspective. Thank you all.

Most of my shifts are with elderly patients, and this particular patient was elderly as well. I was able to handle it until my last day with him, when the mom came in. She hadn't seen him in years and didn't know he was the way he was (which was pretty horrifying by his own doing). Her devastated reaction and uncontrollable crying did me in completely. Sometimes I wonder if being a parent makes this job even harder. We don't consider our children as old people normally. But when I see elderly parents with the same love I have, or children watching their parents die, it makes me feel this job in a different way. Again, I can normally check that at the door. Walk away. This time is different.

I'll try some of these suggestions. If the feelings linger, we have an EAP that I might take advantage of.

Libby1987 · Mar 20, 2015

There are certain situations that hit me in the gut, young men post catastrophic accidents are my toughest.

Meriwhen, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN · Mar 20, 2015

Give yourself a set period to process/mourn/mope/whatever over the incident. Then when that period is done, push it from your mind and focus on the next thing.

Farawyn · Mar 21, 2015

I had a woman dying of breast cancer. She was probably about 50. Her husband left her because she lost her breasts and he couldn't deal.

Her daughter got married and the whole wedding party came to the hospital after the wedding. The mother and daughter were devastating. The way my patient looked at her daughter, I will never forget it as long as I live. The patient died 2 days after the wedding. RIP 513-1.

Some things you NEVER forget. And that's okay.

mommy2anangel · Mar 21, 2015

Although hard, these experiences will build you as a nurse. Just know that we have all been there and for the most part come out stronger because of it. Hugs.