Published May 30, 2008
misslo
121 Posts
I walked into room number 88 and saw you laying there. No twinkle in your eyes, no expression on your face, just a body lying in wait for a journey to a less painful place. Something about you tugged hard at my heart.
I walked up to your bed, put my hand under yours, giving you the option to pull away or feel my loving touch. You chose my touch, you squeezed my hand and turned your eyes to me. I said, "hello room 88, my name is crazyrn2be, I am the CNA that is going to care for you today." I smiled a warm smile for you and you accepted it by weakly squeezing my hand. I washed your face, cleaned your body and re-positioned you hopeful that you would find some comfort. All the while, I spoke to you about my kids, my dog and my schooling. I didn't think you were listening to me as your eyes remained closed and your face expressionless. Until...I asked you: "room 88, are you ready for your breakfast?" You opened your eyes and spoke to me, for the first time I heard you speak, it was only a whisper, but it was beautiful music to my ears. You said "thank you and yes". You haven't spoken to anyone for the past two weeks, yet you chose to speak to me. I felt so touched that you spoke to me.
After I fed you your breakfast and chatted your ears off, (you ate 75% that morning instead of your usual 20%!!) I gently washed your face and hands and you raised your weak, shaking hand up to my face, caressed it and smiled at me. I felt tears stinging my eyes. Your smile was as beautiful as your voice! The RN in charge came into the room just as you smiled at me and she remarked that I was the first person you smiled at in weeks! I am honored. I am honored that I made you comfortable and you appreciated my tender care.
Thank you room 88.
2006RNCS
71 Posts
I walked into room number 88 and saw you laying there. No twinkle in your eyes, no expression on your face, just a body lying in wait for a journey to a less painful place. Something about you tugged hard at my heart.I walked up to your bed, put my hand under yours, giving you the option to pull away or feel my loving touch. You chose my touch, you squeezed my hand and turned your eyes to me. I said, "hello room 88, my name is crazyrn2be, I am the CNA that is going to care for you today." I smiled a warm smile for you and you accepted it by weakly squeezing my hand. I washed your face, cleaned your body and re-positioned you hopeful that you would find some comfort. All the while, I spoke to you about my kids, my dog and my schooling. I didn't think you were listening to me as your eyes remained closed and your face expressionless. Until...I asked you: "room 88, are you ready for your breakfast?" You opened your eyes and spoke to me, for the first time I heard you speak, it was only a whisper, but it was beautiful music to my ears. You said "thank you and yes". You haven't spoken to anyone for the past two weeks, yet you chose to speak to me. I felt so touched that you spoke to me.After I fed you your breakfast and chatted your ears off, (you ate 75% that morning instead of your usual 20%!!) I gently washed your face and hands and you raised your weak, shaking hand up to my face, caressed it and smiled at me. I felt tears stinging my eyes. Your smile was as beautiful as your voice! The RN in charge came into the room just as you smiled at me and she remarked that I was the first person you smiled at in weeks! I am honored. I am honored that I made you comfortable and you appreciated my tender care.Thank you room 88.
What a beautiful story! You just touched my heart. I try to be that kind of nurse to my patients. So many of them have given up, and feel hopeless. You made a difference in that patient's life. You are definitely a kind soul, and you will go far in life.
MedSurgeNewbie
146 Posts
Beautiful, the grace of people on here astounds me daily!
chevyv, BSN, RN
1,679 Posts
I'm speechless and breathless. Isn't this what keeps us going? Beautiful:saint:
JennaRN1006
62 Posts
Wait a lovely story! This is why I became a nurse and what i strive to be each day. When I get frustrated or doubt my job, I will reflect back to this. Thank you for sharing.
:redbeathe
Absolutely13
354 Posts
You know, despite popular rumor, men cry at room 88 also.
MoopleRN
240 Posts
How rewarding to make that connection with someone!
Nurse_Hagatha
73 Posts
I would so love to see a CNA or nurse care for me or my loved ones the way you care for your patients. What a sweet soul you are. That is what this profession is all about. We never know the impression we leave on others.
gonzo1, ASN, RN
1,739 Posts
Your patients are very lucky to have you. I love reading what you have written, and I bet your talking to your patient is just as entertaining and uplifting. I always try to remember that (heaven forbid) I may be the last person a patient ever sees so I try to be kind too.