I don't like dead people

AgentBeast, MSN, RN · Feb 21, 2011

Dead people are the same as people who are alive, only, you know, not alive.

evolvingrn, BSN, RN · Feb 21, 2011

It seems much more overwhelming than it is, what area is your job in? As an Rn while i occasionally do post mortem mainly i am busy with the paperwork and working with the family. As a cna i did it it all the time, its really no different that doing it on an alive person. the way i look at it you have the gift of getting to present that person to their family in a much better way than your experience as a child. kwim? you can prevent others from having the same kind of memories you did.

StNeotser, ASN, RN · Feb 21, 2011

Well, I'd say when you first encounter this, go in the room with another more experienced member of staff to do post mortem care.

I understand why you feel the way you do and perhaps it will be different to see someone that was not a family member.

dawn.b-RN · Feb 21, 2011

well, yes, I don't mean that in a bad way...I am just scared. I know it sounds stupid to the experienced Rn's and pct's, etc...but I get anxious thinking about it.

dawn.b-RN · Feb 21, 2011

I will be on a tele unit with some step down patients (I am not experienced enough to get any step down).

This unit has the most codes typically.

ayla2004, ASN, RN · Feb 21, 2011

Nope im with the OP on this one, had an unlce died when i was 10 and by custon we kiss the cheek of the deceased kinda unsettling.

However I had enough pt pass away and mostly i feel they are in a better palce. When it comes to last offices (mean last duties a uk nurisng term) for the deceased I go in be respectful and tend to the pt. often our Na do this role though. If the death was expected and the familly had been there they may want to view and say goodbye better than the morgue.

I say a little prayer in my head and explain what im doing whilst i carrying this.

dawn.b-RN · Feb 21, 2011

Maybe it would be to my advantage during my orientation to ask to help with post mortem care IF the situation arises with another RN's patient. Maybe to get a little more used to the idea.

yes, seeing dead family members, blue, especially parents when you're a child is disturbing in my opinion and experience.

AgentBeast, MSN, RN · Feb 21, 2011

well, yes, I don't mean that in a bad way...I am just scared. I know it sounds stupid to the experienced Rn's and pct's, etc...but I get anxious thinking about it.

Then try not to think about it, and if/when the time comes just do what you've been trained to do. Don't let a very small part of your brain get in the way of what the rest of your brain knows how to do.

86toronado, BSN, RN · Feb 21, 2011

Some tips for dealing with the deceased:

-never do it alone

-always get it taken care of ASAP

-it may help to drape a towel over the face

-it helps me to (I'll probably get flamed here) pretend it's just a mannequin, or a dummy like the ones we practice CPR on. Maybe I'm not "treating the deceased with respect" but it's only in my mind, and it does help me.

Mrs. Sparkle Pants · Feb 21, 2011

It's not stupid at all! We are all at least a little afraid of things we are unfamiliar with, not to mention the traumatic experience you had. Try to find a trusted co-worker and share your feelings with them. Ask them to be your "back-up" support person and agree to go with you if you ever need them. Because of your experience you have an interesting perspective with grieving family members. Try to hone in on that when you are dealing with such a sensitive issue.

iNurseUK, RN · Feb 21, 2011

Think of it as your last nursing duty to the deceased patient, the last act of care carried out with respect and dignity.

I always speak to the patient, explaining what we are doing, and handle the body as if it were still living.

At the end of the day you are going to have to deal with death as a nurse but really I promise you it isn't that scary. I think that in modern times we are so distanced from death and dying that it has acquired a mystery and fear that is disproportionate from the reality.