My first death

Published

Specializes in dialysis.

Last night was the first time I has one of my patients die and it was hard. Is it normal to feel sad after ward... My heart hurts... I was only with the patient fri night and last night

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in LTC, home health, critical care, pulmonary nursing.

It is normal. I've been in nursing for 9 years and had hundreds of deaths (did a lot of end of life care) and they were all hard to some degree. Even if I don't have a particularly emotional response, I never sleep that night.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Trauma Surgical ICU.

A life is lost, it will always be hard to one extent or another. I always feel for the family left behind. Some deaths are a joyous occasion for the pt; they are no longer in pain, suffering, or being poked and prodded by us, the family or the PCP.

Hugs to you OP.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in dialysis.

Thanks everyone

Up Vote Up Vote ×

In the last 6 months of working at my ltc facility I've had 2 deaths on my shift.. Both were patients that had been there for years and very close to everyone at work. I cried so hard, with the family, in the bathroom alone, with my cnas. I asked another nurse when it gets easier and she said "I can't answer that everyone is different, but If you can't handle death then maybe this career is not right for you." She was right about how everyone is different and it takes time and experience on how you react, however I think that showing emotion at these times does not man I "can't handle it" it shows how much I care. The part about being sad that I find the hardest is regaining my composure for the rest of myn residents.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in L&D, Hospice.

back in the seventies when i was in nursing school, we had a pt who declined over the weeks and was actually exhibiting all the text books signs of dying; the floor nurse took us newbies in and did a wonderful job in caring for the patient as well teaching us how to respect the deceased; it was touching and left a life long impression! to this day i remember the man's name! and yes tears at times still flow, this is life and death!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in BNAT instructor, ICU, Hospice,triage.

It is very normal. I have been with close to a hundred patients in my 22 years as a nurse. Worked Hospice for a while, and I think it shows how much you care and I would MUCH rather have a nurse that is tearful an emotional than one that does not care.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in PICU, NICU, L&D, Public Health, Hospice.

Yup, it is normal to feel sad...

For me, I feel sad for the survivors as I understand the grief they will experience in the coming days and months. It is not unusual for me to shed a tear or two out of compassion and empathy for them.

I am typically relieved for the deceased.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in dialysis.

Yes I felt mostly sad for the wife...

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion