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First time experiences
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Posted 17 days ago How did you react the first time you ever had a patient die. What did you do? How did you act the first time you had a patient die that did not have a DNR? Me, I freaked. Didn't know what to do. At the time I was thinking, we don't know how long she was dead. Why do CPR. So I didn't. Go into big trouble. But I will tell you this, I learned a big lesson. I learned at lot that day. I will never forget it either. Please answer my questions and let me know how you reacted. Thanks. |
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| Posted 14 days ago I was devistated when my first patient passed a way. my co- worker I was workin with was very cold and rude she said "she's dead who cares, one less patient for me to take care of !!!!" that made me very agitated and i didnt respond right a way but when I did I told her you need to work on your attitude. the lady whom passed was a hospice and had really bad health issues. I had to tell myself that she was in a better place i still cried .. even though I have seen more than 50 people pass it doesnt get any easier.. Becky |
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| Posted 14 days ago I don't remember my first death. I couldn't even begin to guess how many deaths I've been around. Hm, maybe it's me. There are several over the years that have etched themselves into my memory and it's generally because it's not your typical elderly code. The peds are hard so they stay with you & the GSW's & traumas sometimes make a memory, but after so many they get blurry. |
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| Posted 14 days ago Remember to try to determine death by assessing dependent lividity and rigor. If either is present, they are gone. If neither are there, do the CPR. If you're not sure, and there's no DNR or No-code order, then do CPR until relieved by someone. Like RNdude, I really don't remember my first experience - too darned long ago.... probably around 1968 (ugh) |
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| Posted 13 days ago I guess that is the part about nursing no one looks forward too. I wished I had not froze. I wished I just did what I had to do. But I guess that is something that is learned. It sure was harder than I thought it was going to be. I guess I wouldnt have felt so bad if everyone didnt look at me like it was my fault. I also found out the lady had terminal cancer. but I did what I did for what ever reason. Next time I will know what to do. |
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| Posted 13 days ago The lessons best learned are the hard lessons. Just learn from it. |
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| Posted 13 days ago OK... newly minted paramedic/ 91C right out of cross training from 11B.... call to a mobile home park outside Ft Bragg.... infant ... CPR in the back of the cracker box with mom on the bench across from me...mid 1970s..
First death during anesthesia... 18 year old with a GSW to head and chest... 17 units PRBCs...12 liters crystalloid....through and through to the thoracic aorta.... VT arrest... VF.... DRT.... dead right there..1990 |
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| Posted 13 days ago my first pt died about 3 weeks ago. the pt was a recent admit at the time and i only took care of the pt for one day. on the morning of my pt 's death, i had just received morning report and within a couple minutes, the pt took a turn for the worst and subsequently coded . the pt was worked on and was eventually was transferred to icu and there died soon after. while the code/recussitation process was going on, i stood there stunned. i just kept thinking, i was talking with this pt yesterday, and this morning i didnt even get to come in and say hello. tears came to my eyes.. but i kept repeating to myself, i'm not going to cry and praying that the pt would survive.... i had just recently started working on the floor just mere days and i had my first pt death. i've thought about it almost daily since but i havent cried and i dont have any words to describe it. my thoughts on nursing... a never ending rollercoaster ride. |
