As promised...the long since gobbled up mousey!
Oh the blessness of it all. The size of a monkey nut and hopped like a kangeroo ratty! Not even gonna rival fb's fab pictures of his squeeking wonders but cute to the ute.
Work continues to be crazy. So many sick patients and unfortunately on wed night I had to say goodbye to a patient I have cared for since April this year. An incredible lady who had had so many complications related to bowel surgery and got to the point where all the markers of her health were going down. I am not back to work until sat night and I doubt she will still be alive. It has been quite emotional for me as I got to know her and her husband very well in the past months. He has been amazing in his strength but unfortunately neither are saved. This lady has the most challenging abdomen I have seen in that she had an ileostomy, urostomy and between the two a wound which a fistula tracked into and out of. I spent hours by her bedside pioneering new ways to create a bag which would channel products out and away from her instead of leaking and ruining her skin. I have now been elected stoma nurse link nurse because of my bag skilz, that I owe to God for giving me an artistic and creative eye. Anyhoo after months of treatment she could fight no more and I cannot describe the utter desolation in hearing her cry when her fate dawned upon her. It is in some ways a saving grace that near the end consciouness is fleeting. On wednesday night I shook her husbands hand, hugged him and gave her a kiss and said goodbye for the last time. What more could I do than show my respect for such a fighter and her loyal husband. I am gutted when I reflect upon it but at least I can say I gave her my very best when I cared for her and that her death if she has not already died will be one of dignity and physical comfort. I know my colleagues do not know of this blog but I salute their dedication and the quality of care that we as a team have given her. Amen.
posted by nuttynurse @ 6/29/2006
9 Comments:
You never know, the mouse might still be alive. Quite an interesting looking thing, I wonder what it is?
Your work experience is a profound matter that will shape the rest of your life. I have been reading Spurgeon's 'Lectures to my Students'. He has a lecture in there 'For students with slender apparatus' - by which he means Pastors with few books to aid their study.
He identifies the death bed as one of the most important learning places in the world, which will teach you more than a book ever can.
J
Cuteness to the uteness indeed.
Sighs....working in healthcare can be the most gutting. I lost a dear patient although admittedly my work with her was not as personal or prolonged.
David is empathising but cannot think of an appropriate encouragement right now (he's a bit brain dead!) See you soon Mogger.
David praises the Lord that he has a sister in law that he can look in the eye and 'know'. Its that nurse to nurse thingy!
Daddy said it was a field mouse.
It is very sombering, especially dealing with those left behind. I have probably got the most job satisfaction when dealing with the dying and their relatives.
It's nice to have a bro in law who I can yadder with on such things. And he is getting valuable non readable experience according to good old Spurgeon.
Am remembering Lisa and Eddie and am reminded that 'It is better to go to the house of mourning, than to go to the house of feasting: for that is the end of all men; and the living will lay it to his heart'. Ecclesiastes 7 v 2. Learning places for us all.
"Gutting"--powerful, wrenching word.
To hold on to today: "For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways. They will lift you up in their hands" Ps. 91:11
Thank you for being the hands of Christ to the sick...
God bless you,
Warmly,
Ann V.
Praying for you, as you minister. May you be inspired to be all that you can be, serving Christ. - Aimee
What seeds you have planted as you have served the needs of this couple.
A big Thank You! for being a good provider of care. Also for being concerned with those who are trying to enter into the medical field but are not ready/qualified.... you have probably saved many from incompetence and unnecessary pain and suffering!!!
I used to be a Hospice Social Worker and Bereavement Coordinator. I have a totally different view of death than I did when I started. I will be praying for this lady and for her husband that they may come to know the Lord personally. I will also pray for you. Your position, the responsibility and the creative approaches of good nurses are priceless. If it weren't for such nurses, doctors would often be clueless and helpless!!! ;)
Wow, thank you everyone for your comments. This lady passed away two saturdays ago before I returned for my second night shift. I did however get to transfer her into her second to last ride on wheels and say goodbye. Unfortunately she was not saved.
The idea of being the hands of Christ for the sick is very challenging. 'What you do for the least of them you do for me'.
Amen
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