My 9 year old patient was raped and required surgery

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I currently have a 9 year old girl I am taking care of on unit. She was raped resulting in surgical repair to entire pelvic floor and also needed a colostomy. As I change her sheets and such I just don't know what to do. I cry everytime I walk in there. I just want to hold her. She isn't allowed visitors and she is so scared. My heart is breaking. Any advice?

I got my shopping done and delivered to her this evening. Big stuffed bear, journal, pajamas, housecoat and slippers. Along with coloring books and crayons. And a snuggly blanket with matching pillow. She gave me such a big hug. I did break down when she did this but I did so quietly as I walked out. I came back into her room after I composed myself and sat with her coloring for about an hour. I didn't know what else to do. I am not back on shift until after Christmas but I plan on visiting her everyday until I'm back on the floor. My charge nurse just kind of shook her head when she saw me walking in with all the bags. I don't know what it meant but I don't care. Thanks for all the support and ideas on how to deal.

You're a gift from God for this little girl. God bless you. You are an example of what the holidays are all about. Hugs!! :redbeathe

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Tne father should rot in jail and if the mother knew and did nothing let her rot in the cell next to him. I'm tired of the leniency shown these predators. They should lock these child rapists up and throw away the damn key.

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I've re read all my posts and I am so sorry that it seems i'm making this about me. That's not really the case. I truly feel so sad for HER, yes it's making me think about my own issues but I can't stop that from happening. I won't tell her anything about me. Sorry I'm getting so upset I just don't know...I'm doing the very best I can. We really do not have trauma therapist in our area. pop. less than 3,000. They haven't sent any therapist in to talk to her just the detectives badgering her. I am so put out by my own hospital right now. Again I'm sorry.

Southernyankee~you are a wonderful, loving, caring woman. Just reading your posts about what you have done for this little girl makes me soo grateful for her that she has you. Since they haven't sent any therapist in to see her, could you contact one yourself or ask the doc on her case for a referral? She really needs to see a child therapist. Especially one who deals with this kind of stuff.

Since her father was arrested and DHS is most likely going to be involved at this point. They will remove the little girl from her home. Is it possible that you can apply to be a foster parent? Maybe that way you can ask that she be placed with you since you know her case. I would contact DHS and ask them what you can do to get involved with her outside of the hosp. DHS will more than likely want to discuss with you and the doc the extent of her injuries and recieve her medical records as well.

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Specializes in Med surg, Critical Care, LTC.

Personally, I'm not sure the foster parent idea is a good one, no offense. The OP has to deal with her trauma she experienced at the hands of a predator, and by the sounds of it, she may have more work to do before she would be able to help this child.

I cannot believe there isn't someone in your area who could come and work with this child - perhaps in a nearby city? I live in a rural area, but within 30 min there are three large cities with which to work.

I genuinely believe you are doing your level best for this patient, but you must put your own demons to rest before you can really tackle her's. IMHO

Blessings

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That is true Babs. But I was thinking that since she has made a connection with this little girl and the little girl feels comfortable with her and trusts her. I just thought it would be a suggetion and something to look into if that is what she would like to do. I would hate for Southernyankee to loose contact with the little girl after she gets discharged and not know where she will go from there.

I think it would be hard on the little girl as well, and she would not understand why she's all alone again. Even if the foster parenting doesn't work out or it's not something that she could do. I hope she finds a way to keep in touch with her. Right now Southernyankee is the only advocate she has. And that little girl needs that in her corner. She needs someone she can trust.

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Specializes in ICU.

I don't really have any advice to offer, just support. :icon_hug: Thank you for caring about this little girl.

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Specializes in ER/ICU/Flight.

I'm so sorry for that little girl and bless you for taking care of her.

My wife is a social worker and a few years ago we were at her office Christmas party. Someone had a 15 month-old boy there and as I was looking at the baby, my wife told me that child had been raped and subsequently entered the child placement agency where she works. I honestly thought I was going to pass out, cry, dig a hole and crawl into it....it was overwhelmingly horrible. But I also felt the presence of Jesus there and know that He protects us, especially the weak and innocent.

My only advice to you is to pray for strength (both for you and even more so for that little girl) and know that God is working through you. You can count on prayers from me, my family and our circle at church.

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Specializes in Med/Surg/Ortho/HH/Radiology-Now Retired.

I have no words. Only prayers.

Bless you for being the true essence of a caring nurturing human being and nurse.

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I am sure a "team" as mentioned is in place. But as you know this poor child needs medical attention, hence nursing care. Us nurses are ones that are most often with the patient. So I fully understand where the original post is comming from. I personally do not see the harm in getting this very lonely child a nice soft teddy to cuddle. I hope who did this Rots in prison. That is the most sickening horrific thing I have ever heard. Just having a caring nurse will help in the healing of this poor poor child.

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Specializes in Emergency Nursing.

To the original poster, I admire you so much for working with children (especially in situations like this.) One of the posters recommended a journal which I think is a great idea, I also think that if its possible you should take some time to sit and talk with her. You don't have to prompt her to talk about the traumatic experiences that have happened to her but just talk to her about anything (school, hobbies, friends etc.) if she is willing to talk. I think it would help her to open up the lines of communications especially since she isn't allowed to have any visitors. The only think I would be careful of is of self-disclosure, I think another user suggested talking about personal experiences and I can see why you might be tempted to do that but I think you want to stick to general topics of conversation and see what this little girl has to say. Good luck!

!Chris :specs:

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I've re read all my posts and I am so sorry that it seems i'm making this about me. That's not really the case. ....

It is about you...and her. I'm a mother and nearly a nurse, and I would not be able to do what you are doing, looking after that little girl, without breaking into pieces, it's such a responsability and so heartwrenching, my hands are shacking just thinking about it.

Let us offer you a shoulder as well. You really are an amazing person.:heartbeat

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Specializes in ED.
I've re read all my posts and I am so sorry that it seems i'm making this about me. That's not really the case. I truly feel so sad for HER, yes it's making me think about my own issues but I can't stop that from happening. I won't tell her anything about me. Sorry I'm getting so upset I just don't know...I'm doing the very best I can. We really do not have trauma therapist in our area. pop. less than 3,000. They haven't sent any therapist in to talk to her just the detectives badgering her. I am so put out by my own hospital right now. Again I'm sorry.

You said only detectives have talked to her so far? It might be a good idea to find a SANE nurse in your area who can tell you what rescources you and she have available to you. Not for the evidence collection but they have contacts surly that they can give you on councelers, advocates, and such that might be willing to come to her room.

If you arn't sure where there is a SANE nurse in your area we might be able to help find one.

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