I was assigned a patient tonight in clinical that was getting prepared for emergency surgery. He was in extreme pain and his nurse gave him dilaudid for the first time. I was asked to stay with him while she called the doctor to update him on the status of the patient's condition. He was panting and shaking and kept repeating "I can't breathe."
I started out by trying to reassure him that he was breathing and his O2 stats were perfect. But no change in his condition. I was frustrated (not with him) because I felt like there was nothing I could do to make him feel better and wondered what in the world would convince the nurse to leave me alone with him???? So, out of desperation I sat on the side of his bed, grabbed his hands, made sure he looked in my eyes and had him breathe in and out with me and tried to keep the both of us from panicking (To be honest I needed the breathing as much as he did ). He calmed almost immediately. He squeezed my hands and said simply thank you. He asked me to stay with him until his family got there...... And then it hit me.... He was scared. He was alone. He thought he might be dying. I only held his hand but I helped him feel less afraid. I helped the person, not the assignment. I made a difference. I felt like a nurse.
You made me tear up a little. I have been struggling in clincal because I honestly thought (I am naive I suppose) that there would be more of this and less of the pt being the dx or the procedure. I need to try to put into practice what I view as a priority, just as you did. You inspired me today, thank you.
Thank you guys. It's hard to explain what a huge moment that was to others. It was definitely one of the most powerful experiences I have ever had. Until this point I've been focused on learning as much technical things as I can before I graduate. I have listened repeatedly to my instructors say but what about the patient and have you talked to them. They also said you'll have a moment that will make you understand why you put yourself though all of this. They were absolutely right. It will go down in my history as the moment I realized becoming a nurse isn't something I do, it is part of who I am.
Psychosocial is one of the most neglected aspects of patient care. Isn't it wonderful that something as simple as caring, calming contact can do so much? I'm sure you will never forget this (and neither will your patient). Way to go :)
You didn't "only" hold his hand...you gave that patient exactly what he needed at that moment. I agree with the PP who said that the psychosocial aspect is the one most frequently neglected in nursing practice. I try to do those things for my patients, but it is HARD some days when I have 4-5 (stepdown) patients to care for and they all seem to need something at the same time. The times that I can sit and talk with them and/or hold their hands are some of the best I have experienced, though!
It seems as if sometimes we forget what we're here for in all the hustle and bustle of daily routine. He will never forget what you did for him in that moment. Bless your heart. :)
). He calmed almost immediately. He squeezed my hands and said simply thank you. He asked me to stay with him until his family got there...... And then it hit me.... He was scared. He was alone. He thought he might be dying. I only held his hand but I helped him feel less afraid. I helped the person, not the assignment. I made a difference. I felt like a nurse.
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tnbutterfly - Mary, BSN
83 Articles; 5,923 Posts
Great job!!
Sometimes all you have to "Reach out and Touch".