Dear Nurses: Please Forgive Me

Thank you for another masterfully-written article, CheesePotato!

(((((CheesePotato))))) Oh, my God, your pain is palpable even through the computer screen. I am so, so sorry for what you're going through, and have no words to express it.This post should be required reading for every nurse and nurse-to-be across this land. Another tour-de-force, straight from the heart and soul of a magnificent nurse and human being. I am in awe of your talent. I'm just sad you're having to deal with this loss, and am sending you good thoughts and prayers for continuing strength.

Thank you for your kind words and prayers. ~~CP~~

Wonderfully written...... from the heart.

Wow, you read my mind. Almost. I just spent 4 days at the bedside of a dying Uncle - he is the last of my Dad's siblings, the end of a generation. I want so badly to fix things, to make it right. To be able to send him home to the farm once again. And I can't. All my best nursing skills, and I can't. I lost my Dad when I was 16, and he is the last link. I am not ready. I feel for the student nurses who were looking after him this weekend, especially when he didn't want me to leave the room as they did that dressing or catheter. But I thank them for letting me stand there and hold his hand and for answering all my questions. Thank you for putting into words what we feel at such a time. Thank you for sharing with us.

Outstanding translation of emotion into words.Take care,Caffeine

tears * tears * .... it's so hard to lose our "rock" ... stay strong .... and btw, so beautifully written: thank you so much for sharing ***

I lost mu dad in March of 2009. I had the best dad that ever lived (to me at least). He was my protector my champion, my hero. He was my cheerleader......my rock my best friend. Whenever I fell he picked me up. He allowed me to make my mistakes and picked me up later when I failed......he was the voice of calm amongst the hurricane of life.I wish those nurses could read this now and try to understand my fear. As I watched him slip through my fingers, I became angry that, after snatching so many strangers from the jaws of death......... why I couldn't do for the most important in the world.....why SOMEONE couldn't do it for me. I am amongst the fortunate few. I won the parental lottery.....and I miss him so much it hurts. When he coded I had NEVER know such pain and I begged and bargained with God for just one more day. There were so many days I thought I would never survive the sadness........then there were days that were not so bad. Now, even though it hurts everyday I can take the time and find those joyful memories to help me through my day.I can't say that the pain will ever go away, as I sit here with tears pouring down my cheeks, but it does get better. It will never go away but the pain doesn't hurt as much as it did that day.I feel your pain.....it's palpable. To nurses everywhere when you see that family member out to ruin your day....remember they are hurt and frightened and are losing their way....just a little girl so sad that her Daddy can't stay. Be patient. Be kind.CP ((BIG HUGS)) are on their way.

Beautiful. I am so sorry for what you're going through. I try to remember this on a daily basis, the pain that my patients' family members are going through. I try to make time for them, even when I don't have time for myself. Stay strong, CP.

Esme, your words left me breathless and humbled. My deepest condolences on your loss.To the other magnificent creatures with sweet words, thank you. And thank you for listening.~~CP~~Sent from the devil's plaything, aka, my smartphone; ergo, formatting = crap.

Well said, really enjoyed reading your article!

What a touching script. Thank you so much for sharing. On the other hand, as the bedside nurse, our jobs are truly difficult. The guilt of wanting to be more present and available to you, this same scenario times 3+ per shift, the pain we share with you although in a less intense way, adds up. Ah so many things....Hugs!