I saw my first patient that died today...

[heartlover07]

This was a patient that I had for clinical 2 weeks ago and today when I went in they said that a patient had died this morning and asked if any of the students would like to perform or observe post-mortem care. I was reluctant but thought I am going to have to deal with it at some time or another, so may as well go in and do it. I did not know at the time that it was my patient from two weeks ago cause she had moved to a different room and they did not tell us the name of the patient. I was surprised to see that it was her because two weeks ago she was walking and talking. Turns out that over the last week she had been changed to hospice care and this morning she died. I am trying to deal with it but I have never seen a dead body other than my grandmother at the funeral home, and it was just strange. Does it get easier?

[rotteluvr31, ADN, RN]

I think of life as a continuum. Some of us are called to help bring life into the world, other RN's care children and adults, both young and old. At the other end of the continuum is death. It is a natural part of life that none of us can avoid. Providing care to a dying patient, or a recently deceased patient can be as much a privelege as bringing a newborn baby into the world. Many patients, especially those that know death is around the corner, are so grateful for every little kindness that you provide for them. Others are appear unaware, but who knows what they can really sense.

Seeing your first dead body is undoubtedly a shock, we are so used to caring for the living, and most of us are in the business of making people better. I think the shock wears off, but hopefully, the feeling of respect for another human being never fades away.

[Chaya, ASN, RN]

What has made it easier for me is realizing that, although there is not much more I can do for my patient, the family usually needs someone to hold their hand and walk them through the experience. I had the guidance of a number of wise nurses when my own parents were dying and this support was so important to helping me cope; now it's my turn to pass it on.

[SaraO'Hara]

I was on my way to the library this afternoon and helped in a resuscitation attempt... the man looked long gone though.

That makes about... 10 dead patients so far, but it's still weird. I just learned to detach early on, understand that I did what I could, and God just wanted them home.