I want to be a RN but don't want to deal, with you know...

[Back2Nursing09]

I want to become a RN but Im not really into the death/dying part.Is it wrong of me to feel this way ? What happens if a patient dies in your hands ? What happens next ? Who deals with the body ? Also,how many of you guys ever dealt with a situation like this ?

[nursein2012]

I am taking a class this fall called Coping with Life and Death.. I've heard good things about it that it does help prepare you a little for what you'll encounter as a nurse. I would recommend reading a book or two on the subject or taking a class. I also agree with previous posts that having some spiritual beliefs can help make the passing of a patient easier. Just remind yourself.. they are no longer suffering and they are in a better place. Their families will join them someday.

[Sparrowhawk]

Death happens. Sorry.

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

I want to become a RN but Im not really into the death/dying part.Is it wrong of me to feel this way ? What happens if a patient dies in your hands ? What happens next ? Who deals with the body ? Also,how many of you guys ever dealt with a situation like this ?

I've seen more dead people than I can count on my fingers. After all, I've worked at nursing homes for the past few years, and many of the residents have reached the end of their lives. Many of the residents are simply existing until the moment of their "celestial discharge" from this world.

If a death occurs (and the resident is not a full code), I notify the family, physician, and director of nursing. After staff makes the body look presentable, the family spends time with the deceased. I then call the funeral home that the family has selected, and the funeral home representative comes to remove the body from the facility. I never forget to write an order to "Discharge body to _____ Funeral Home." Also, I complete discharge assessment paperwork (all pulses absent, no rise & fall of chest noted, etc.).

[Flying ICU RN]

I have been the concierge from this life to the next countless times. My job, is to make the journey as painless as possible for all involved.

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

By the way, here's the only horoscope in the world that we know is accurate...

Capricorn: you're gonna die.

Aquarius: you're gonna die.

Pisces: you're gonna die.

Aries: you're gonna die.

Taurus: you're gonna die.

Gemini: you're gonna die (twice, perhaps).

Cancer: you're gonna die.

Leo: you're gonna die.

Virgo: you're gonna die.

Libra: you're gonna die.

Scorpio: you're gonna die.

Sagittarius: you're gonna die.

[kesr]

I found that the help and compassion I could provide the family to be a very meaningful part of nursing. Claeaning up the patient after death was a part of the full circle of life.

[AgentBeast, BSN, RN]

I just don't get the fear. I mean, a dead body is exactly the same as a living body, only, you know, not alive.

[happy2learn]

Is it wrong for you to feel that way? Absolutely not. I don't think anyone is "into" the death/dying part(except people who choose that particular field). It's a part of life I don't think anyone can truly say they are 100% comfortable with, though it may be easier for some when it's a patient vs. a family member.

As a CNA, we did learn how to do post mortem care, and the RN usually helps out.

There are areas of nursing where you would not be faced with this as often. Obviously you are more likely to deal with it in a nursing home. But if you worked in a doctor's office, then there's a good chance you won't see it much.

My advice, avoid Hospice, nursing homes, and places for ill children.

[brownbook]

There is nothing wrong with not liking to deal with death or dead bodies. Everybody is squimish about something.

When a patient dies "in your hands" you tell the charge nurse, supervisor, or doctor. (Won't go into the whole ACLS, were they a DNR (do not resuscitate) a doctor has to pronounce them dead, etc.) They call the next of kin and tell them their family member died. The charge nurse calls the mortuary. The hospital has plastic body bags. Someone has to put the body in the bag! Where I work we practice team work, if a co-worker told me she doesn't like to deal with dead people I would put the body in the bag for her. Or a supervisor or CNA might do it. The body can be left on the bed or taken in a gurney to the morgue where the mortician picks it up.

People don't often suddenly die in hospitals. On regular floors they are usually, hopefully, admitted and discharged "alive." If they develop distress they are transferred to acute care units where death is more common. If they are in long term care facilities death is often expected. So unless you work long term care or acute care it is possible you would rarely have to deal with death!

[healthstar, BSN, RN]

I just don't get the fear. I mean, a dead body is exactly the same as a living body, only, you know, not alive.

I wish I could think that way. The body is not just "not alive"--it is going to disappear forever and you are never going to see it again. That's what scares people the most.

We all know that death is part of life but it does not mean you shouldn't be afraid.

I would never work in the hospice, I am not strong enough.

[MassED, BSN, RN]

I want to become a RN but Im not really into the death/dying part.Is it wrong of me to feel this way ? What happens if a patient dies in your hands ? What happens next ? Who deals with the body ? Also,how many of you guys ever dealt with a situation like this ?

it is a part of nursing. You learn to cope with death/dying, the family, and all of the other details that go into it. You'd learn all about the paperwork, which is specific to where you work. It's a part of living, you learn to cope and roll w/ it.

[MassED, BSN, RN]

Death is part of the circle of life. Everyone does it.

no one escapes death. It's the same outcome for all of us.

Have a good day! haaa!!! Sorry, just a bit of humor.