Lorna Doon

Racing Mom, ((((hugs)))) to you. I don't think it gets any easier (at least in my experience) to care for a dying patient and family. Maybe that's why we choose to distance ourselves from the situation by blaming the victim. Most of us have heard/made those comments you mentioned. Sometimes it helps me to keep the emotion at arm's length so that I can be most effective and compassionate in my care. Other times I think it's just my own shortcomings as a human being peeking through. Once again, kudos to you for the care and comfort you provided in a difficult situation!!

:bowingpur It was a few years ago, but I seem to remember a LOT of teamwork that night.

Exactly. It's the only one I've seen in my own nursing practice so far.

maryloufu- actually, that was on a med/surg floor

I had a similar night many years ago. Patient's blood sugar kept dropping, q15" checks all night long, D10 infusing and amps of D50 (1-2 each hour!). Did I mention the pt was NPO after midnight?!? Turns out this guy had a tumor on his pancreas causing increased production of insulin. He did great after surgery, but I'll never forget that night:bugeyes:

'cardiac nursing' ... 'in a grand circus'

Our facility has just announced a switch to "open visitation" for all units (including all the intensive care units). Anyone have experience with this?