Seeing the future

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I love working in long term care but lately when I see these folks who led interesting, fulfilling lives and now are reduced to briefs, showers once or twice a week and uninteresting food it really makes me sad.

I often look at the " memory boxes" and I see myself and my family on the beach, or sailing or smiling at someone's wedding and frankly it really scares me as to what is waiting in my future.

Does anyone else feel this?? Maybe I am in a funk ( winter will do that). How do you cope with these thoughts- I really love my job and don't want to look elsewhere.

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Specializes in Home Care.

Remind yourself that the majority of years in a person's life are fulfilling and healthy, remind yourself of the good life these people led and don't think about the present and future except in what way you can make their day better.

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Specializes in trauma, ortho, burns, plastic surgery.

Live your life in present hon, not in the past not dream high for future.

Take each day steo by step and live, happy. Let all unhapiness behind and live....yesterday is not, tommorow could not be either, LIVE TODAY and smile !

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Specializes in NICU, PICU, adult med/surg, peds BMT.

I work in oncology and it would bs very easy to dwell on the hopelessness and tragic circumstances of many of my patients. These are innocent kids that have lost limbs, must endure painful procedures such as LPs and bone marrow aspirates, and are hospitalized for prolonged periods of time.

I don't dwell on it though because I see my role as the one who brings care and compassion into their lives. I am able to see their pain without absorbing it. I get satisfaction knowing I make a difference with my kind words, with my consistency, with my nonjudgemental attitude. It's amazing what a difference you can make just by listening to a patient. To see the light in their eyes as they describe their family or the struggle they have endured this far. Instead of seeing them and pitying them, I am grateful to be in their life path and confident I can use my nursing skills to make them feel better

I dint know if you can turn your thoughts around but you are needed. You are special and how lucky are those residents to have lived their lives.

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