kidd22

What else could I have done? Are there others out there that are soft-spoken or unassertive? How did you get through it?

The person playing "crowd control" was just another gawker at the scene backing people up. At no point did she state that she was security or any kind of officer. I told her that it was okay and that I was a nurse, whether she heard or not is a different story. There was another person at the woman's head, while I was noting that her airway was patent and she had adequate respirations and a strong regular pulse. Because of how loud the crowd was (yelling/fighting between the driver of the vehicle and the crowd), I was unable to hear anything from the woman. The medics arrived to the woman as I was getting pulled away. I hope this anger I have at myself resolves soon enough. Initially, I felt like I should've just decked the woman and focused on what I was doing and taken control of the situation instead of being soft-spoken. True, that the lack of any equipment would've made any interventional technique impossible. However, I know that I would like to have someone with me, reassuring me if I am ever in that position. This makes me feel less of a nurse, like I should've fought hard to get my way and help this woman. I think this situation might impact my confidence as far as nursing goes. Although billythekid is right, there was not much to do until the equipment and personnel got there, I still feel like a heel .

There was an incident a few weeks ago in the community that I'm living in. A lady was hit by a car while crossing through a parking lot. I pulled over to help out and got no information from anyone whatsoever. The person who assumed the "crowd control" position started to pull me back. I wanted to make sure the patient had a pulse and was breathing while waiting for the ambulance (she had both, but was only semi-conscious). I told her that it was okay and that I would stay with the lady to monitor what I could, but she persisted in pulling me away, making me freeze on the spot. A few seconds later, the medics arrived and attended to the injured lady, and I went into the bookstore I was heading into. I can't help but kicking myself for not asserting myself more and taking control of the situation. Anybody have any kind words or advice to help me stop kicking myself?