The day I held your hand, while you were dying
30th of November 2018, 7:30PM. Time to start my night shift, as usual. After the handover, where we share our concerns and crucial information about each patient under our care, we start the observations. I was told you were quite poorly but the plan was to not escalate as the prognosis were bad... However, nothing was documented by the medical team and we had to keep re-checking your observations. We could clearly see you were deterioritng minute by minute. When finally doctors arrived upon the ward, the plan was made. I kept my routine as always, after the observations round I started the drug round followed by helping all patients to settle for the night. Everything went as planned but one thing. In the early morning I went to check on you and there you were, dying. I felt impotent, frustrated and extremely sad for not being able to do anything for you but keeping you confortable and not leaving you alone in this last moments. I held your hand and stayed there for 30 minutes praying for your soul in what is my belief. Talking to you and not letting you feel alone. After that half an hour, it happened. The last breath.
Being a nurse is more than medications, observations, washes or other clinical duties. It is giving love, sharing feelings, being human. With this I want to give my thank you to all nurses around the world for making a difference in each person's life under your care. You might not feel appreciated at all the time, but that does not mean you do not make the difference. We still do. Thank you. And for you, this patient, rest in peace.
FEED FOR SOULS
