The problem with being an efficient and older male nurse is that there is a presumption that the death of a patient doesn’t affect you as much as it does to other, more demonstrative nurses.
I’ve just finished two nights where two deaths featured, central stage.
I know myself well, and I knew I felt a tad bruised when I watched the soaring cranes plant the huge lighted cross on the central tower of the Sagrada Familia
Then I had a little cry before going to bed
When you've been a bit battered by loss at work, tears are very near the surface, aren't they?
ReplyDeleteAmazing video.
Ta, John, sleep well!
Hugs!
I feel rested
DeleteThinking of you. Thanks for all you write and say. Sleep well. Jx
ReplyDeleteI had 5 hours
DeleteHugs, John.
ReplyDelete❤️🐈⬛
DeleteI thought of you when I saw that the Sagrada Familia was being crowned. An impressive sight.
ReplyDeleteBeing affected by a patient's death, just shows that, after all these years, you have kept your humanity. Part of the job, yes, but that doesn't mean it's easy. Hugs. xx
Being thought of when someone sees the sagrada . How lovely
DeleteDeath comes to us all, sooner or later, as a foe or a friend. i hope it came as a friend to the two you were present at. Thank you for fulfilling an unpleasant task. Roderick.
ReplyDeleteP.S. The Sagrada Familia, which I have visited, is in my view a botched up monstrosity. Can't share your enthusiasm.
I just can’t fathom why anyone should hate the sagrada , especially its interior , which is sublime
DeleteI respect your thoughts though
Although death comes to us all, I've never had a patient's death that didn't affect me. Sending hugs.
ReplyDeleteSome more than others
DeleteYou know how to take care of yourself, too, John.
ReplyDeleteDry eggs?
DeleteI wish I had something smart or reassuring to say but sometimes life is just hard. Good that you had a cry to release some of it. XO
ReplyDeleteI wish I had something smart to say too, but I haven’t x
DeleteHello John,
ReplyDeleteI loved this simple post
A great deal of humanity in just a few lines
Keith
Xx
It was a sad day xx
DeleteWho looks after you my squire ?
ReplyDeleteLee
Going gently does
ReplyDeleteCymryd ofal / take care 💕💕
ReplyDeleteDiolch xx nos da x
DeleteWhat a difficult job you do, with such calm and kindness. I have so much respect for you and other hospice carers.
ReplyDeleteI have questions...is the SF finished now? What are dry eggs? Why is the cottage unheated, that can't be healthy or comforting.
hgs
lizzy
1. No, it’s topped out, as the tallest tower is finished, but there’s lots more “ smaller “ work to be completed.
Delete2. I cooked them too long
3. The cottage is centrally heated from the stove , which I had not lit,
Those suggested heat pumps could be utilized via your phone and you d come home to warmth and comfort you deserve this. Lizzy d
DeleteYou're a GOOD MAN John. Jen
ReplyDeleteI try
DeleteBelieve it: you're a good man, John. If you're trying, you're succeeding!
DeleteHugs!
Oh, I don't think I could handle that at all.
ReplyDeleteIn your job, you grieve and grieve again. It's tiring.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful building that is. Keep the faith John.
ReplyDeleteSorry it was a very sad and painful day. Hope your sleep was peaceful and refreshing and today is a better day.
ReplyDeleteSadness is very draining. A good cry and sleep certainly help reset emotions.
ReplyDeleteweavinfool
♥️
ReplyDeleteIt requires a lot of strength and kindness to do what you do. Not to mention study and years of experience! Consider yourself hugged.
ReplyDeleteA low pain, low stress death is the goal, and yet it always feels like a loss. The paradox of hospice and palliative care. Hugs from afar.
ReplyDeleteI understand the being the oldest nurse and dealing with death. My patients died after surgery in acute care. ICU would discharge them to my unit and we would care for them until they passed. We also received emergency room patients that were expected to pass within 24 hours.
ReplyDeleteIt was hard. The younger women were given extra breaks and hand holding. I got to accompany my patient to the morgue.
It sounds terrible but I had a run of patients die on me. Every other Friday evening shift for six months. I had to leave the unit because Fridays just became too hard.
I still remember several of those patients.
Oh, John, what a day. You are such a great hospice nurse. I love how you love others. We all need that. Does anyone in Wales have in-home hospice? I have a dear friend who’s just begun that journey.
ReplyDeleteThank you for this post. I hate dry eggs too!
Sending love and hugs, Carol in Atlanta💖
I also appreciate this John . As I got older I think my patients death affected me more and some hit a “spot” more than others because of relationships built and fears discussed , dignity and bravery and being more aware of losses for patients and their loved ones . I’ve had many a cry in my car ! This I don’t miss in my retirement . Of course losses always occur but the recurring ones at work take their toal . Sending hugs . X Bernie ex Pal care Sister
ReplyDeleteHugs John, Gigi
ReplyDelete