I cried

you are human... it's ok to cry when something like that happen.

Yes, it's perfectly normal. It's called having emotions. We are not called to be to be unfeeling, just not to let our emotions get in the way of providing competent and compassionate care. The first death is often the hardest. The ones that put an end to suffering become easier. The ones that are avoidable and meaningless are always difficult. God bless you and take care of yourself too.

This is the first of many times. You are only human, and most of us have cried, many, many times.

Best wishes!

It is absolutely normal to feel how you did. I believe it's as much an honor and privilege to be with a person at their time of death as it is to be with someone during a birth. Crying shows that you are a human and care about the person who you have been providing care for. As a family member, I'd rather see my nurse cry than be stoic. Hugs for you.

Wow, you're doing great. My first 6 months on med/ surg I cried every day. I mean by the time I made it to my truck I had tears going. Made me crazy. The first day I realized I was driving home and I WASN'T crying . . . I felt like that was an accomplishment.

Ditto being with a patient as they pass, I always felt like it was a blessing to be with someone as they leave, especially if they would have been alone.

Nah, I still cry sometimes. I'm lucky to even make it to my car before the water works start. lol

Its ok to cry when a patient passes. I can't say I enjoy having a dying resident but.. I feel its where I am at my best. I wish I could be with the dying resident when they pass but.. my job doesn't allow for that. I at least check on them whenever I get two seconds and sit with them for a few minutes at a time when I get them.

As a unit secretary on a floor with acute and hospice patients I myself have left work at the end of my shift and cried, sometimes because of stress but usually a sad patient situation. Sometimes situations are like that. Not everyone can be stoic. I think it's ok to show emotion, like others here have said, it shows that you are human. It also shows you care.

who wouldn't be affected by one of life's most intimate and humbling moments?

i tend to worry about those who aren't (affected), esp in beginning of nsg career.

in time, you will find your own coping mechanisms.:hug:

nsg will test our emotional endurance from hereon in...

so be good to yourself in the meantime.

leslie

Totally normal. Hang in there.

I can remember a time when a patient to whom I had gotten very attached died. I came home from work and sat down and cried.

My son, who was five at the time, came up and asked what was wrong and I told him a patient died. He patted me and said, don't feel so bad, mom, I know you did the best you could.

I know YOU did the best you could, too. Sometimes all you can do is be there. It was good your patient had you.