The concept of death has changed in a variety of ways in the modern times, from a perspective of healthcare and nursing. Advances in technology have made death vague due to the ability to resuscitate patients and also extend life through life-support. Further, the increasingly higher population means that more people are dying currently than before (Stephenson, 2012). Better science and technology means that a life-threatening situation does not always result in death (O’Sullivan, 2013). The totality of the above has framed the concept of death in my work as a Med Surge/Telemetry Unit nurse.
The frequency of Death in my Work
As a Med Surge/Telemetry Unit nurse, I work with many patients who have heart problems, chronic and acute illnesses, hence death is a common feature. However, during five years of practice, only one patient has transited while under my direct care, but I know many patients who have died in the hospital. It is my obligation as a Telemetry nurse to realize early enough that the patient is in danger so that effective intervention can be undertaken (Helfand, Christensen & Anderson, 2016).
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How the Experience has Shaped the View of Death
Having had only one patient die under my direct care, I cannot expressly say that I am well versed with death. The particular patient was, however, a very trying experience since it was a do not resuscitate patient. As a human being and a nurse, I had to struggle with the need to save a life and the obligation to honor the wishes of a patient. Normally, I would go all out to use every available gadget, technique, and skill to save the patient’s life. In the instance, however, my obligation was to help the patient and the patient’s loved ones deal with the situation as best as possible (Osinski et al., 2017). The experience brought to the fore a better understanding of the holistic care concept that saving a life is not always the best outcome as the particular patient selected a peaceful transition rather than fighting to live. After the incident, my opinion about death being a scaring worst-case scenario outcome changed.
If it is Easier to Accept Death based on the Experience.
Personally and professionally, death is now more normal, and to some extent, acceptable to me due to that experience. I have come to accept that when a patient dies, it does not mean that the system has failed or that I have failed as a professional. The only way that I could have failed is if I had not done my best to prepare the patient and loved ones for the outcome, or if the patient was not made as comfortable as possible through the process (Moir et al., 2015). Death is no longer an enemy to be fought at all cost and under any circumstances. It is also important to note that my approach to death has become less emotional or personal and instead, more professional. When a situation arises where a patient’s life may be in danger, I find myself seeking to do what the patient desires instead of following my instincts. For example, if the patient is a full code as happens most of the time, I will do whatever it takes to save a life . If the patient is a DNR, I will help the patient and loved ones accept the outcome.
Conclusion
What death meant to me five years ago when I started practicing nursing is different from what it means today. Just as patients have learned from me about death, I have also had the opportunity to learn from the patients and from my experiences with them. Among the most important lessons was to focus on the right thing as and when death comes calling. In some cases, the right thing is to fight the hardest to save the life of the patient at all cost while in others, the right thing is to let go, and help all other stakeholders to do the same.
References
Helfand, M., Christensen, V., & Anderson, J. (2016). Early sense for monitoring vital signs in hospitalized patients. In VA Evidence-based Synthesis Program Evidence Briefs [Internet]. Washington (DC): Department of Veterans Affairs (US); 2011-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK384615/
Moir, C., Roberts, R., Martz, K., Perry, J., & Tivis, L. (2015). Communicating with patients and their families about palliative and end-of-life care: comfort and educational needs of nurses. International Journal of Palliative Nursing , 21 (3), 109-112
O’Sullivan, B. (2013). Hospital mortality rates continue to drop. Canadian Medical Association Journal . 185(2): E87–E88.
Osinski, A., Vreugdenhil, G., de Koning, J., & van der Hoeven, J. G. (2017). Do-not-resuscitate orders in cancer patients: a review of literature. Supportive Care in Cancer , 25 (2), 677-685
Stephenson, W. (2012, February 04). Do the dead outnumber the living? Retrieved from https://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-16870579
