So I know there is whole thread on ghost stories, but i figured I would post this since it just happened.
I was working as a medic and we picked up a patient who had collapsed. The patient was cyanotic from the clavicles up, so I assumed they probably had a massive PE. They had a pulse, but was unresponsive and very hypotensive (systolic of 50). We ventilated them and put them in our ambulance and they suddenly woke up, although they still had the monks cloak cyanosis. When the person initially woke up they were trying to get up off the stretcher while holding a hand out to the ambulance ceiling all while yelling for a particular name. the patient eventually became more alert, although still severely hypotensive and cyanotic, but able to answer questions and no longer yelling that persons name. The patient lost consciousness again in the ambulance, but woke up again, but it was brief and no yelling someones name this time.
The patient coded at the hospital, as we assumed they would since there isn't much we can do for such a massive PE in a community hospital, assuming that is what it was.
I looked at the obituary today and the name of the person the patient was yelling for was their previous spouse who is DEAD!
Quite the contrary, one of the things we make note of is when our patients are transitioning and reaching out or staring at one spot on a wall or ceiling-we say they are "seeing Angels". It's usually a calm and peaceful time.
Are they hallucinations? Who knows. None of us will until we are at that same point in our life journey. All I know is my patient is seeing them and and is comforted by them. Hallucination or visit from a dead relative-why would I want to make it go away??
I've attended many deaths. I've held the hands of the dying and said the Lord's Prayer with them, bowed my head and stood respectfully while prayers were said by those of different faiths, comforted grieving family members, sat with people in their homes for hours until the funeral home arrived, laughed with them as they told all the family stories.
I am a Christian, I respect everyone's choice, but I sense a bit of confrontation in your post. I will not engage in a pissing contest in a public forum-no ones opinion is ever changed, and everyone feels a bit raw afterwords.
Did not even think about a **** contest. Referring to the visions of the dying as "hallucinations".. would then make it all about the attending caregiver. Can't make the assumption , that they are hallucinating.
You are viewing death as a "Christian "experience. How about the 4 billion people on this planet that are NOT Christian?
These patients are people who died under our care and look how many fellow nurses invent stories and narratives to fit their desire for "spooky tales" or to reinforce their worldview.
That is shameful. Patients deserve better than that.
These patients are people who died under our care and look how many fellow nurses invent stories and narratives to fit their desire for "spooky tales" or to reinforce their worldview.
That is shameful. Patients deserve better than that.
Did not even think about a **** contest. Referring to the visions of the dying as "hallucinations".. would then make it all about the attending caregiver. Can't make the assumption , that they are hallucinating.
You are viewing death as a "Christian "experience. How about the 4 billion people on this planet that are NOT Christian?
Your replies to many other posts are actually the definition of a pissing contest.
While I mentioned that I am a Christian and have at times said the Lord's Prayer with patients, I also said that I am respectful of other faiths. I have no desire (or reason) to participate in any "bedside conversions." If you think that I spend time running around the room waving my hands in the air shouting "Hallelujah!" and praising God for giving dead relatives the ability to pave the way to Heaven, not only are you being presumptuous, you need to climb down off your lofty perch of superiority.
I also stated that I have no idea whether the things people experience as they are dying are hallucinations or actual contact from dead relatives (and you DON'T have to be Christian to believe that). It isn't my job to sort that out.
My actual point was, no matter what they may be, when it's a comforting experience, there's no reason to want to stop it. You don't have to be religious to accept that.
These patients are people who died under our care and look how many fellow nurses invent stories and narratives to fit their desire for "spooky tales" or to reinforce their worldview.
That is shameful. Patients deserve better than that.
You can always step out of this thread. Deal with your patients the way you want on his/her death bed. Stop judging others doing the same. It's between the nurse and the patient.
Your replies to many other posts are actually the definition of a pissing contest.
While I mentioned that I am a Christian and have at times said the Lord's Prayer with patients, I also said that I am respectful of other faiths. I have no desire (or reason) to participate in any "bedside conversions." If you think that I spend time running around the room waving my hands in the air shouting "Hallelujah!" and praising God for giving dead relatives the ability to pave the way to Heaven, not only are you being presumptuous, you need to climb down off your lofty perch of superiority.
I also stated that I have no idea whether the things people experience as they are dying are hallucinations or actual contact from dead relatives (and you DON'T have to be Christian to believe that). It isn't my job to sort that out.
My actual point was, no matter what they may be, when it's a comforting experience, there's no reason to want to stop it. You don't have to be religious to accept that.
My replies to other posts are not relevant here. My thoughts on what people crossing over see is the point. Your initial post stated they are hallucinations.
The definition of hallucination is:
an experience involving the apparent perception of something not present
Not perched, not feeling superior. I personally feel when we pass, a loved one is there to guide us over. Calling it a hallucination minimizes my belief.
Specializes in Adult and Pediatric Vascular Access, Paramedic.
I find hospital ghost stories insulting.
These patients are people who died under our care and look how many fellow nurses invent stories and narratives to fit their desire for "spooky tales" or to reinforce their worldview.
That is shameful. Patients deserve better than that.
I didn't "invent" any story, but thanks for making assumptions!
Pretty typical, not creepy. He was calling for his wife during a time of great stress and lacking sufficient to his brain, he was likely confused. Out of curiosity, why refer to the patient as "they " and "them"? I'm not trying to be snarky, I just don't understand the importance of not identifying the gender since it doesn't protect the identity of patient simpy by using a gender pronoun. The story alone could be giving out information even if you use gender neutral them. Maybe it is after being repeatedly told by not to use they or them for singular entities it bothers me more than others.
Been there,done that, ASN, RN
7,241 Posts
Did not even think about a **** contest. Referring to the visions of the dying as "hallucinations".. would then make it all about the attending caregiver. Can't make the assumption , that they are hallucinating.
You are viewing death as a "Christian "experience. How about the 4 billion people on this planet that are NOT Christian?