Night shift Thursday and Friday night went great. Well, great as far as I felt like I knew what I was doing and that I had things under control. We had a small crew of nurses because the patient count on the floor is still down. I just got everything done pretty much on my own and checked in with my preceptor to make sure everything was ok as the nights progressed.
Friday night marked a first for me. One of our patients passed away while I was there. This little girl was a patient back when I was a nursing assistant so I used to get to play with her on a regular basis. Her family actually gave me my first gold star. At Duke they have a service recognition program where patients and families can recognize their nursing and support staff. You get a gold star pin to wear on your name tag. I got my first star from this family. The reason was for being the patients favorite "almost nurse." She and her family have meant a lot to me.
When we got report we found out she had gotten a medication that is evil on the kidneys and wasn't doing very well, by 11:00 pm they had signed DNR papers and around 1:30 she went home. I stood outside of her room with my co-workers and watched her heartrate and respirations slow down and she just went as peaceful as can be. She fought so hard and her little body was tired, I am thankful that she is finally getting rest and pray for peace for the family.
I asked if I could help get her ready. I helped do her hand prints while mom held her, I helped bath her with her dad (it was one of his favorite things to do), and I held her while one of my co-worker painted her princess toes glittery pink per mom's request. I was honored enough to help clean the room and remake the bed and place her for her parents to say their last goodbyes before she was taken away. I made she she had her stuffed animals with her and her princess wand in her arms. She looked like a peaceful angel. How overwhelming and amazing it was to be able to do that.
I have come to know some amazing patients that have passed while I have been working up there and I like to think there is a special place in heaven for the kids from 5200. I am sure David is greeting the kids where they get there and showing him around, he was so good at that when we had new families on the floor. And Katie is heading up arts and crafts so I know this new angel is finger painting. I just have to believe that.
December 2013
11 years ago
3 comments:
Geez Jennie... what are you trying to do to me!?
I've already heard this story from you and I just bawled reading it again.
There is a special place for people like you, too... that is for sure. I honestly don't know how you do it.
Alright... here I sit with my kids just crying! The family is lucky to have nurses that care as much as you obviously do. My Josh has a little girlfriend who was diagnosed exactly one year ago and has had a tough time. Her 3-yr old little body is also tired and the family is preparing. (http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/sarahparker)
I don't know how you do it. There are times when I just think about "Bubba's Sarah" (what he always calls her) and cry. I couldn't imagine working in that environment. But you have always known that this was your calling! I am very proud to know that you have reached your goals!
Wow.
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