My patient died this morning...

Published

Specializes in Peds Cardiology,Peds Neuro,Pedi ER,PICU, IV Jedi.

One of my long term patients just died tonight, I've cared for her for 9 years.

She was completely pacemaker dependent and was in the hospital a lot with heart problems both related to the pacer and other defects with her heart.

Her mother made a deal with her, that if she started walking in school again (she had been in a wheelchair for a long time) she could go to the football game - so she did! She started walking everywhere last week, determined to be able to go to the game with her friends.

Off she went to the game with her sitter and her friends. I am told that she cheered hard for her team, and got to see all but about 3 minutes of the game before she fell out.

I don't know how long it took before EMS got there, but I know she was flown to us shortly thereafter.

She passed away earlier tonight in the CVICU. I'm going to miss her. Every time she saw someone she recognized, she'd get their attention so she could talk to them. No matter how bad she felt, she wanted to talk. Even if she didn't know you, she'd engage you in conversation. She had a way of making you smile. She apologized profusely for making you work - to move her, change her, get her things...but she was never a burden.

Her father works here, a painter/maintenance/do it all person...he's awesome, and so is her mom. They are both wonderful people.

Dad told all of us that were down in the ICU with her.."She always wanted to see Crazy John.... He told me that I made her smile, that I made her laugh, and thanked me.

I'm just glad I got to make a difference in someone else's life.

vamedic4

3.5 hours til I can hug my kids again.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

{{{{Jonh}}}}

She got to go to the football game.

:)

Up Vote Up Vote ×

That's rough, John. :(

Sounds like her family and friends were blessed with a special girl.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in rehab; med/surg; l&d; peds/home care.

Hugs to you, but you're absolutely correct that it's an awesome feeling to know that you made a difference in another's life. You probably don't know me/remember me, but I remember you posting so much and I always can tell from your posts that you are an excellent caregiver. It's always so hard when one of our long term patients pass on, isn't it?? Bless you for caring so much! I am very sorry for your loss, John. Go home and hug your kids extra tight...

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in NICU, PICU, PCVICU and peds oncology.

My condolences, John. Funny how these little folks get under our skin, eh? Now I'm thinking about the special angels from my career thus far... CJ, CG, JMS, JK, DM, CH, HK, AS and the rest... and knowing that they're going to be joined by HM, JL and possibly AT soon. It keeps us human.

Going to hug MY kid now.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Peds Cardiology,Peds Neuro,Pedi ER,PICU, IV Jedi.

Thank you all. I made sure to spend extra time with the little ones this week (wait, they're not so little anymore.. :).). I enjoy watching my patients grow and change almost as much as my own children.

Hope you all have a great week.

John

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

John - thanks for caring!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in PNP, CDE, Integrative Pain Management.

That's a rough one John! It's all worth it though!

We lost a long-term patient last week...haven't lost one for awhile. A real reality check for all of us on our team. Made me think back to all those special ones I have especially bonded with over the years that are no longer here with us. Amazing that your post has come just when I have been having a struggle with this aspect of my nursing after all these years. It helps to know I'm not alone with these feelings.

Thanks for your post.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion