My Sweet Little Angel Patient Passed Away Today

Published

I've been taking care of an absolute angel for the past 3 years. She had Batten Disease and the doctors said she wouldn't survive past the age of 7. Well she showed them and almost made it to 21. She went peacefully in the PICU surrounded by all her family, caregivers, and every nurse staffed in the PICU. She was a frequent flyer to that particular hospital, so all the nurses knew her and loved her. When her heartrate started dropping, they each came in with a box of kleenex. I don't think I've seen so many boxes of kleenex piled onto a bed in my life. :) It was all very sad. But she's in heaven now, running and playing like she was never able to do while she was here.

I guess I'll have to take a real job now, because she never felt like work. But at this particular moment, I'd really rather do something other than nursing like sell cars. I'll probably get over it soon though, because earlier this week, I oriented on a new case with the sweetest little boy........

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Hospice, Med/Surg, ICU, ER.

May God bless and keep you. :saint:

Your Angel has returned home.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I'm really sorry! I am glad that you are beginning to be able to put this into perspective. It sounds like you've been a great nurse and I know that you will go on to provide your next patients with excellent care!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in vascular, med surg, home health , rehab,.
I've been taking care of an absolute angel for the past 3 years. She had Batten Disease and the doctors said she wouldn't survive past the age of 7. Well she showed them and almost made it to 21. She went peacefully in the PICU surrounded by all her family, caregivers, and every nurse staffed in the PICU. She was a frequent flyer to that particular hospital, so all the nurses knew her and loved her. When her heartrate started dropping, they each came in with a box of kleenex. I don't think I've seen so many boxes of kleenex piled onto a bed in my life. :) It was all very sad. But she's in heaven now, running and playing like she was never able to do while she was here.

I guess I'll have to take a real job now, because she never felt like work. But at this particular moment, I'd really rather do something other than nursing like sell cars. I'll probably get over it soon though, because earlier this week, I oriented on a new case with the sweetest little boy........

Dear Brita,

don't give up your vocation in life. You got to see and share something most people never do. All that matters is how we love and are loved. That little girl had that and then some. She is in a better place. There will always be that one patient that just clicks with you. And thats the way we hope in our time of need it happens. Like you said, her soul is free and she left a lesson in love behind her.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Geriatric/LTC, Rehab, Home Hhealth.

It sounds like she was lucky to have you to lavish love and care on her.

That sweet little boy you mentioned ... and others ... need your love and compassion. I'm sorry, because I know it hurts. I know you will honor her memory by continuing in your work.

God Bless.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

i'm so glad your angel was surrounded by those who loved her.

and i do believe that God placed that precious little boy in your presence, to ensure that you continue in nursing.

you performed a priceless service to your pt and her family.

may you honor her legacy as you continue to love and care for all the other children who will be blessed with your gift.:balloons:

leslie

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I tried to post a huggy smiley but couldn't find one.

{{{Brita}}}

Up Vote Up Vote ×
May God bless and keep you. :saint:

Your Angel has returned home.

Thank you. I believe she's up there watching over all of us now like we watched over her.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
I'm really sorry! I am glad that you are beginning to be able to put this into perspective. It sounds like you've been a great nurse and I know that you will go on to provide your next patients with excellent care!

Thank you Eric. I try my best.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Dear Brita,

don't give up your vocation in life. You got to see and share something most people never do. All that matters is how we love and are loved. That little girl had that and then some. She is in a better place. There will always be that one patient that just clicks with you. And thats the way we hope in our time of need it happens. Like you said, her soul is free and she left a lesson in love behind her.

Thanks for the kind words. I don't see myself giving up nursing anytime soon. I have no idea what else I would do for a living. Yes, I definitely got attached to this one patient. In the 30 years that I have left to work in my career, even though I will give the best care I can to all my patients, I don't plan to get as attached again. It's too draining.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
It sounds like she was lucky to have you to lavish love and care on her.

That sweet little boy you mentioned ... and others ... need your love and compassion. I'm sorry, because I know it hurts. I know you will honor her memory by continuing in your work.

God Bless.

Thank you nursewendy. There are so many people out there that need good care. So I'll keep on trudging along.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
i'm so glad your angel was surrounded by those who loved her.

and i do believe that God placed that precious little boy in your presence, to ensure that you continue in nursing.

you performed a priceless service to your pt and her family.

may you honor her legacy as you continue to love and care for all the other children who will be blessed with your gift.:balloons:

leslie

Thank you earle. You know, I agree with you about the little boy. When I first saw him, he reminded me of my angel with his little innocent face, and smiles that he gives you just for being in the same room with him. :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion