Pt's Last Wish

[royr]

I am a senior nursing student in a BS major of Nursing program, and I had a very interesting experience that I thought I should share. My pt was very old and in the last hours of end stage cancer when I finished my clinical. I really liked the pt, and we formed a freindship, playing cards, drinking coffee and listening to stories about a full and wonderful life. He seemed to be hanging on for something (he was an in hospital hospice pt and was only on pain meds).

I discovered that he wanted to see his wife one last time, so I had her called to the hospital while I cleaned him, shaved and dressed him and got him ready to see his special lady for what he insisted would be the last time. I left them holding hands at the bedside together when I reported off and went to school to take an exam. When I returned to the hospital after my test (with more Starbucks coffee) - I learned that he passes away a few hours after I left, holding his wifes hand - just as I left them together. I will always remember them this way - how they were smiling. This is the first pt that I have taken care of that has passeed away so close to my working with them. I will always remember how happy they seemed, and will always be proud to have been a small part of that last day by making him feel that he had what he needed to look good for his lady.

[Dixielee, BSN, RN]

These are the moments that keep you going when the rest of the world is caving around you. Thank you for doing such a loving and caring thing for this man and his family. It is nice when you can make a difference.

[kat911]

What a wonderful experience. Those kinds of Nursing situations is what makes it all worthwhile.:smilecoffeecup:

[BrnEyedGirl, BSN, MSN, RN, APRN]

always remember how this experience has made you feel,..in the future it may just remind you why continue coming to work everyday!

Best of Luck to You!

[weetziebat]

Yes, while not a good time, these kind of experiences are what you remember when you are seriously looking at changing jobs to become a Wal*Mart greeter.

I work in hospice and my patients always give me far more than I can give them. You have a right to be proud of yourself. You did good! Congrats.

[clemmm78, RN]

Working in palliative care has allowed me many special moments like that. it makes it all worthwhile.

[Simplepleasures]

This is truly what keeps many a nurse going when times get tough. Wouldnt it be wondeful if nurses had more time to interact with their patients in this manner? Maybe one day.....

[nurse_clown]

[color=dimgray]that was a good experience. i work in palliative care too. death doesn't have to be a bad or a sad thing. and it's not like palliative care is slow or not challenging. sometimes we have to run to allieviate someone's suffering. sometimes we have to take on a little more emotion than we'd like and shout at the docs for not ordering the stuff patients need. but, i'm very thankful that i can do the job i do. i also appreciate working only the night shift.

i'm glad that experience happened to you. best of luck to you. your thread came at the right time. i was feeling pretty tired and i have a night shift tonight. now, i'm a little more pumped to go :smilecoffeecup:

[ChuckieRN]

Thank you for taking the time to help this loving couple and share this wonderful story. You will be a great nurse. Best wishes.

[Princess74]

Thanks for what you did, I know it must have made a huge inpact on that sweet couple. You truely did a wonderful thing, your going to make a great nurse!

[jschut, BSN, RN]

What a blessing. And what a wonderful story! Thank you for sharing....

[aaa rn, RN]

Five years ago, one of my infant patients died. I just heard (via e-mail)from this baby's mother--she wished me a Happy Thanksgiving. Five years out, and I'm still a part of her thoughts. Remember these times, cuz sometimes nursing is very hard--but the benefits outweigh the hardships.

Good luck in your caring career.