The Hardest Decisions in Medical Practice: A Nurse's Perspective
As a nurse or doctor, we face many challenges every day. But there are some moments that stand out as the most difficult. In this article, we explore the toughest tasks that nurses must undertake, sharing personal experiences and insights into the emotional responsibilities of healthcare professionals.
The Horror of Wounds Infested with Living Creatures
Working in the operating room (OR) and recovery unit, one of the most harrowing experiences was dealing with a homeless man who had suffered a severe bicycle accident. He was unconscious and unable to communicate. During the preparation for surgery, the CRNA (Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist) noticed that the man’s hair was moving. Upon closer inspection, we discovered that maggots and worms were moving beneath the scalp.
Together with the surgical team, we made a small incision on his scalp to remove these living creatures. Similarly, while another doctor was cleaning the scalp, we found an old wound. The sight and the empathy required to treat such a scene left an indelible mark on all those involved.
Telling an Elderly Patient They Are Dying
One of the hardest tasks I have performed as a nurse involves breaking the news to family members that their elderly loved one is actively dying. This is a moment that requires a delicate balance of compassion and professionalism. In my role, I must explain the prognosis and what the process might look like, assuring them that we will do everything in our power to make the patient as comfortable as possible.
I recently had to perform this task at least three times, each time involving a patient who was a long-term resident at the facility where I work. I had established strong, caring relationships with both the residents and their families, making the task of delivering such difficult news even more challenging.
Breaking the News to a Family Bereaved in an Accident
One of the most impactful and emotionally draining moments for me was telling a single parent that their only child had died in an accident. Standing by the patient's bed, I shared the tragic news with the grief-stricken mother. Her own tears cascaded down her face, and even a hardened traffic policeman on duty was overcome with emotion. Even now, many years later, the memory brings me to tears, as I think of the beautiful child, free from pain and in perfect beauty.
Conclusion: The Empathy and Standards of Compassionate Care
While these experiences highlight the darkest aspects of nursing, they also underscore the importance of our role in providing compassionate care and support. These moments remind us of the essence and meaning of our profession, and the profound impact we have on our patients and their families. Whether it’s treating a severe wound, breaking heart-wrenching news, or being a source of comfort in a time of sorrow, we demonstrate the true essence of being a nurse.