The Color of Mourning

Thank you for sharing this timely message

Beautifully written, and very appropriate. Especially since I recently lost a family member, and spoke to a CNA who was at the funeral home who cared for my close family member. Thank you.

I have been thinking about this a lot lately. I've been working in dialysis for 6 months now and have lost many patients. Patients who I may see 3 times in one week and have developed a relationship with. I decided to become a nurse because I care and I the day I stop feeling pain when a patient dies is the day I need to change professions. Many of us get caught up in preserving "steadfast visage" and like you, I agree that we need to cast this aside. Our humanity is a critical component of our ability to provide compassionate care to our patients. But as stated, self-care is vital to preserving our ability to continue nursing.

I allowed myself to mourn the soul that had departed, the medicine that could not heal, the interventions that would not take and the possible fear that gripped both patient and family. Because I saw these things for what they were, I could let go of all that had transpired and accept the end result

Thank you.

I am glad that my article reached all of you in such a personal way. All the best. xx