The Dark Long Night

 The best thing to help a hospice patient rest is in fact, the simplest of nursing interventions to carry out.

It is also the most time consuming but ultimately satisfying act a nurse can do on night shift,

And that is to sit beside your patient’s bedside in the dark. 

“ would you like me to sit with you?”

Is a question often replied by a tiny simple nod 

But you can often see the patient relax immediately as they are transported back to their childhoods when mom or dad or gran sat vigil over them during the long dark night.

I have learned to sit quietly, but not silently at these times. I take with me a cup of tea and my iPad, and mini movements of scrolling and the occasional sip, can often be just heard or felt by the patient, reminding them I am still there, and still with them.

Last night my patient kept opening their eyes to check if I was still there 

So I told them that I wasn’t going anywhere.

and minutes later they were sleeping softly.