I cried with a pt .....

Specialties Oncology

Published

Specializes in ER, Forensic Nurse, SANE.

I've started working in Oncology 6 months ago (been a RN for 19 yrs) and yesterday this pt just really touch my heart. She was my age a beautiful young lady, with beautiful long brown hair. She was Dx with severe Colon CA with metz. She even had a colostomy. She was admitted for Chemo. Her pain was so severe and she had nausea and vomiting all day. Her weight has dropped and not eating. Her mom was at her bedside not knowing how to comfort her daughter, all she could do was rub her back, hold her long wavy hair as she vomited and then wipe her face with a wet wash cloth. I gave her all the meds I could through her port, to keep her comfortable as the Chemo ran through her veins. All 3 of us were crying. I think i was so emotional because she was my age and I could never imagine what I would do if I was in her shoes. She is so brave and her poor mom...uhh!

I know I cant do much to cure her but I do know I'm in the right place as an oncology nurse. Of course when I get home my family ask "how was your day?" I just say "Busy!" and move on. Know one really GETS! what we deal with every day. Just venting, I love my job even though is is very emotional.

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Specializes in Hematology/Oncology.

definitely gets real when its someone your age, Its always worse to me when they are younger.

"This shouldn't be happening" is what I always think.

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Specializes in GENERAL.

OP: In this instance you would have to be made of stone not to cry. I don't care what the "not professionals" might say.

I'm not a Bible thumper but I did cry when Mary cried for Jesus. This is love, isn't it?

Your reaction to the travail of this young life is a measure of your humanity and as nurses we are first and foremost human beings; and then we move on and take care of business too.

How about that!

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Specializes in Critical Care, Med-Surg, Psych, Geri, LTC, Tele,.
definitely gets real when its someone your age, Its always worse to me when they are younger.

"This shouldn't be happening" is what I always think.

Yes! When our pts are close to our age, it tugs our hearts!! I had an oncology pt tonight less than 5 yrs older than me, with kids almost the exact same ages as mine.

Im still thinking of her now. í ½í¸•

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Well, now many of my oncology patients are my age or younger.

Definitely pulls on your heart strings!!

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