My first resident passed away last night

flightnurse2b, LPN · Nov 6, 2008

sending you lots of hugs, lexibear.

akanini, MSN, RN · Nov 6, 2008

This is my third week on the floor and I had my first death last week in the dayroom. I was right there in the room. I know exactly how you are feeling right now.

lexibear99, LPN · Nov 6, 2008

This is my third week on the floor and I had my first death last week in the dayroom. I was right there in the room. I know exactly how you are feeling right now.

:hgu:HUGS:hgu:

Cynders · Nov 6, 2008

:icon_hug: After I got out of the Army I worked in LTC. I remember when I lost my first resident. I cried so hard. She was a special one ya know. I was at home and got the call that she had passed about 5 hours after I left work. I was so upset. I am glad that I wasn't at work b/c I don't think that I would have been able to stay there.

It was so sad to go back into work and her not be there anymore. I so feel for you. I will pray for you some peace.:hgu:

CoffeeRTC, BSN, RN · Nov 6, 2008

Awe....they really do become like family. It is hard lose a family member. Hugs.

Furwillfly · Nov 7, 2008

It's hard isn't it. I've been there many times. Remember the good times with the resident. And know in your heart, you gave him the best of you that you could give, and blest his final days with the sharing of your heart and soul. God bless, will keep you in my prayers. I wish I could say it gets easier, but it doesn't, you just find a better way to be at peace with yourself. :redpinkhe

mandykal, ADN, RN · Nov 7, 2008

just talking to people who understand. i lost my first resident last night. i have been a nurse for 18 years but only in ltc for 3 1/2 months. this was a special one, :heartbeati admitted him and have been his nurse ever since. he came in up walking, talking, joking going to dialysis 3 times a week. i knew he didn't have alot of time, he was end stage renal and multiple myeloma but i didn't think he would go so fast. i had gotten close to his wife also. i cried :cry:off and on at work last night throughout my shift and it seemed like everyone else went on like nothing happened:crying2:

**hugs lexi**

there is one thing about the first one, memories never seem to seize. i worked in ltc for about 8 years. over 50 people pass. walked in on some. i've held many hands before they passed, said prayers, console family members, the worst was the holidays. people would be celebrating, and in the back of my mind someone else is grieving.

the strength to keep you going is happy memories. think of the good times reminiscing the converstations. and if there is one thing we'd ask is that he suffered no more. may perpetual light continue to shine on him, and may he rest in peace.

you are a true nurse!

bluegeegoo2, LPN · Nov 10, 2008

It's OK to cry and be sad. We don't have to be "indifferent" about our feelings or be stoic in the face of death. I have cried with many families, and will cry with many more. I had a man (who was my personal favorite resident of all time) pass a couple of months ago that very nearly killed me. I had to pronounce him and let his wife know who was there. She came every single day to see him, and I looked forward to seeing her as much as taking care of him. Part of my sadness was that not only did we lose him, but would be losing her as well. I think that's what makes LTC so much harder is that we do get as attached to the families as the residents at times.