One of my favourite patients died early this morning.
It wasn't the only death we had to deal with today
Her husband returned to the hospice later in our shift
And the staff quietly gathered in a respectful and impromptu vanguard to say their goodbyes to him and his family
His reaction was terribly moving
I work with some incredible people
Being there to stand witness at the end of a life is rare in an age where people don't typically pass at home anymore. I used to work in long term care. Sitting quietly and holding the hand of a person passing is one of the greatest honors I've known.
ReplyDeleteI hope for someone like you John at the end.
ReplyDeleteOh John, I wish I had a little of your knowledge and patience right now. I'm dealing with my elderly mum who is being very difficult and I know I'm not handling it in the best way.
ReplyDeleteIt's easyJet to handle someone when you go home at the end of the day xx
DeleteI don't know if I have mentioned this but my very best friend from nursing school is now a hospice nurse in Colorado. I knew from the moment I met her (and she was only nineteen) that she was a most special person with a heart as big as the sky. As she has grown older and more experienced in life, her heart has only grown bigger and I think her patients, like yours, are very, very lucky. I respect the work you do so much.
ReplyDeleteHow heartbreaking---and yet a part of your everyday work. You are to be commended for taking on these difficult and sad life chores.
ReplyDeleteI was terribly moved not just by the patient's husband but just how the staff appeared en masse to support him
DeleteThey certainly sound like a kind group, which is exactly what you wanted when you joined them.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful room that is, so much light!
From the housekeepers, support workers nurses, doctors and support staff like domestics, the social workers and physio staff
DeleteLovely
You're right, the people that work at your hospice (including you) are special, indeed.
ReplyDeleteI remember as a young nurse I sat with a dying patient, just talking quietly and holding her hand as she had no family. It was such a surprise to me that when she quietly stopped breathing, her body was detectably empty. She was actually gone.
I'm so glad for you, the staff, and the patients that you're working at the hospice.
Hugs!
We're all fortunate there are such compassionate people as you and the incredible people you work with. It takes a special talent to do your work.
ReplyDeleteMy daughter is a nurse and I see her at the end of a long day and know full well how hard she works.
I'm talking too about the patients and their significant ones
DeleteAmazing people x
And what are you doing up so late? Go and get some beauty sleep.
DeleteIt's only 11.40 pm
DeleteI need to come down a little more before sleep x
Hospices are incredible places. The patients, the families, the atmosphere and the staff, there's something very unique there. That virtually all of them are funded on donations is so wrong.
ReplyDeleteThank you.
ReplyDeleteAnd those who work with you.
What absolute kindness.
ReplyDeleteI am so pleased to know that our ultimate ends are in the hands of kind people like you and your colleagues. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteThe patients are fortunate to have people like you and the others to take care of them and to share their survivor's grief at the loss of one.
ReplyDeleteSuch a day.
ReplyDeleteWhen I got the call at 6 am that my Baby Nicole died we dressed and flew to the hospital one of my favorite nurses was sitting with her so she wouldn't be alone. So much pain.
gayle
I feel very lucky that the staff at my father's nursing home were very much like the staff at your hospice. I felt that both he and I were supported with such love and affection and kindness as he struggled through his final weeks. I wish everyone's end could be as good, and that all families could feel surrounded by support.
ReplyDeleteYou're doing such important and needed work, John, you and all the other hospice workers.
ReplyDeleteI knew when you first announced your new job that you were in your element. I am in awe.
ReplyDeleteIt must be very difficult for you all; something you can never get used to.
ReplyDeleteThere's a news item today about a gentleman in a hospice who is a huge Star Wars fan. He wouldn't have made it to the release date for the final film so through the power of the Internet the hospice team were able to arrange a viewing through Disney for him and his family to see the film pre-release. Good things can happen even in his most tragic of circumstances.
ReplyDeleteAs much as I love you John I would never kiss your feet x
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteAfter I retired but still lived in Wolverhampton with my first husband I volunteered two days a week at the Hospice there. I found the peace and the whole atmosphere so cery reqarding - I wish there were more than there are. A death is still sad but it is handled in such a way that those left behind are supported with love. Great work John
ReplyDeleteSorry John - meant very not cery obviously.
ReplyDeleteYou have found the right place to work and the right work team to join.
ReplyDeleteNice people in all walks of life, warmth and friendship and appreciation of each other.
ReplyDeleteYou just got to meet them
DeleteI couldn't do what you do and I'll be forever grateful to all those who can and do. I've said good-bye to several people in my life while they were in hospice care. So sorry for what you and your colleagues have to go through on a regular basis and so thankful to you all for choosing this as a profession. Sending you hugs and gratitude.
ReplyDeleteJohn, you and your colleagues are unique individuals. We need more of 'you' in our very absent society. Thanks for being here and doing what you do.
ReplyDeleteOnly angels work in hospice. I couldn’t have done it without them. I lost my husband 4 years ago.
ReplyDeleteNo not angels but grown up people
DeleteIt's painful when people we care about die, no matter who they are. One of my favorite patients was in this last week and told me she's dying now, getting near the end and we cried.
ReplyDeleteWonderful support for a major life transition.
ReplyDeleteworking with terminal patients, i'm wondering what you think happens after we die?
ReplyDeleteNothing x
Deletehmmmm....
ReplyDeleteWe have the most amazing hospice in our county (Sakura House in Woodstock Ontario Canada). The staff is wonderful - they can't do enough for the patients and their families - and they always gather with the family to say goodbye when the funeral home arrives for the patient. It's so touching. Hospice care isn't something just anyone can do.
ReplyDelete