Suicide

[tewdles]

I am wondering how many of my hospice colleagues have experienced the suicide of a patient.

How supportive was your employer following the event?

I recently experienced this loss and was taken aback at how significantly it affected me. My employer was fabulous and proactive.

[annacnatorn]

twedles,

Thankyou for your note. The incident happened in May 09. I am familiar with cumulative grief. As Hospice workers, this as you know affects us all, regardless of level, it hits us. Yes, grief can pile up on us and I was and am no exception.

I have a huge faith and family support unit that I lean on. My Pastor knows what I do for a living, I call it my Ministry, and He is forever keeping me up in prayer. I even have His direct home number! I believe that with a strong support system, Family and Faith, it got me through this one and the countless other people who have passed from this world infront of me. I don't mean countless in any disrespect, but there are many.

I know Hospice is my calling. I love it. I believe that this person choose to do what was done with me there so as not to cause any problems for the spouse. I believe in faith leading, guiding..you are where you are because that is where God wants you. If He, God leads you to it, He, God will get you through it! (How I lean on those words, more days than others.)

I've been in Hospice for 6~7 years and have seen many people pass away. I was the lead CNA and would be frequently called to assist the RN in many tasks. Her eyes and ears so to speak.

I am sorry for your experience as well, I don't know how I would have handled that one. I guess this is where you say, thankfully you were not there at the time.

I think that each teaches us a lesson, that we don't really know what is in the other persons head. And, we are to live life as fully as possible.

In one month I had witnessed 20 people pass while on my time. I'm not going to lie to you, it threw me for a loop, I did experience grief, depression and with drawl, but and I say but, with a strong support system, I got through it.

I've heard it many times that you have to be a special person to be a Hospice worker, yes they are correct. I believe we are all special.

When I obtain my RN License, Lord willing after my recovery, I will return to Hospice.

Live today, Love today, Laugh today, Life is to short not to!