this topic is all to familar for me. i know all quater i have been talking about my job and how i work for hospice so this was an easy read for me.
i have to share a story that happened to me, it has only happened one other time in the 7 years i have worked for hospice. i always feel bad when iu have to bath someone when they are so close to the end. i leave the choice up to the family. in this case there was not any family around and the nurse said to go a head and do what i do. my patient was not in any pain and very limp to work with. there was music in the back ground, irish music for he was an irishman, as i finished the bath he started to have some apnea and as i finished putting his shirt on he stopped breathing. just as he took his last breath the bag pipes came on over the cd player. i opened the window as i do when some one passes and gave him a shave so he looked good for his loved ones.
point being it was a good death and i felt at peace with how peaceful he looked. it is very hard to see and i did feel the loss of his body but knew his soul was free of pain.
i enjoyed this course and wish you all luck in life.
I have so much respect for anyone that works in hospice. It takes a special person to be able to do your job. I remember the first week I worked as a CNA a lady had had a stroke and I had to bathe her the day after it had happened. Previously she had been a feisty one and it was really sad to have to bath her lifeless body. Her whole body was burning up and the nurse that I was shadowing said that usually happens before they pass on. The nurse was right; later that day she passed away. It was really sad a I knew from that day on that this was something that I had to learn to cope with.
ReplyDeleteI also have been present when someone passes and for some reason there is peace in seeing how peaceful it can be. I know I have always said that it is harder to the one left behind and I have witnessed that in my work. Believing that there is a Heaven sure does help!!
ReplyDeleteAs David mentioned, I also have tremendous respect for the men and women who choose hospice nursing as their calling. Hospice care is definitely not for everyone! Although, I can see how extremely rewarding, both spiritually and personally, working in that field could be.
ReplyDeleteMy aunt is a hospice nurse too and I feel so much respect for her and you. It has to be one of the hardest jobs there is. at least you can feel good in knowing that you are helping people die with dignity. That was a very touching story. thank you for sharing. Brought a tear to my eye. I really enjoyed getting to know you a little bit through your blog posts. Hope you enjoy your summer and best of luck to you as well.
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