What is the saddest thing a patient has ever said to you?

[Laila Ighani]

As compassionate caregivers, nurses and nursing assistants have all been in moments when patients open up and share heart-wrenching stories. This is a safe space for nursing professionals to support and understand each other and perhaps even find ways to cope with these difficult moments. On this note, we would like to invite you to share your experiences on this topic. What is the saddest thing a patient has ever said to you?

[Miranda Belcher]

The saddest thing I ever saw was an old lady on her deathbed who was completely oriented to person, place, situation, time, etc., and the family was arguing in her hospital room about the will and the inheritance. The dying patient started telling the family members off and just how she felt about them - and she asked the nursing staff to escort the family out of the room so she could die in peace. We did, of course, and she died with nurses at the bedside in comfort, but it was sad to have a patient deal with such thoughtless actions while she was dying.

[Karin Zonneveld]

I remember one kind woman in elderly care who thought I was her daughter because I visited often. It's not a particular story, but I think many people in nursing homes are all alone, and their families never visit them.

[Miranda Belcher]

6 hours ago, Karin Zonneveld said:

I remember one kind woman in elderly care who thought I was her daughter because I visited often. It's not a particular story, but I think many people in nursing homes are all alone, and their families never visit them.

That is so sad! And you're right. From what I have seen, most people in nursing homes are forgotten about by their families.

[Jenna Nurse]

I think death and dying of patients must be one of the hardest challenges to manage as a nurse. 

 

Edited August 6 by Jenna Nurse