Helping her through
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I was working in a hospice 25 years ago.
This particular night, we were full – 12 patients with just me and one other nurse on night duty. Around 10pm, I was trying to get the night time medications dispensed so people could get pain relief and start to think about sleeping.
One lady had Motor Neurone Disease (ALS); she was very ill and could barely communicate. Her husband was there as he had been sleeping in the same room for the last week feeling that he was the only person that could understand her needs.
I went into her room to change the needle for her pain relief drugs and turn her over to prevent pressure sores. Through slight head movements she could let me know she wasn’t comfortable so I kept adjusting her arm ‘this way’ and then her head ‘that way’. I was keen to get the other patients settled but tried not to show it – just kept making slight adjustments.
After a while of doing this, I went to see to the needs of some other people but kept going back to check on the lady and her husband – making more minor adjustments each time but still not quite getting it ‘right’.
As soon as I could, I went back to see the lady again. She still wasn’t comfortable so I continued trying to get her into a position that was ‘just right’ for her. After about half an hour, I got the look and the slight smile that let me know we’d got there in the end and she was comfortable. That smile said everything but so did the genuine thank you that her husband gave me.
I turned the light down, wished them ‘sleep well’ and quietly pulled the door close.
The night continued with looking after the other patients. I’d looked through their door about an hour later but both were asleep.
About half an hour later the lady’s husband came to get me. In barely a whisper he asked me to go with him as his wife had gone. Instinctively, I took his hand and went with him and yes, he was right, his wife had passed away. He looked at me and with tears in his eyes thanked me for making her so comfortable that she could relax and not fight death any more.
I was in tears with him, and am now too as I write this, but I was so pleased that I had persevered to make a wonderful lady comfortable and not brushed her off because I was so busy.
Physical touch and caring are so important, in this case it made a massive difference.- Tracey ❤
I’ve spent years paralysed from the neck down a few times in years past .. & I know just how that lady was feeling .. & just HOW much it is appreciated when a nurse or friend, takes the time to help put me in a comfy position, or scratch my face in just the right spot, or put my pillow in the most comfy position .. but it’s not just making me feel comfortable that I appreciated, but that the person gave me their time without showing frustration … or who smiled at me like I was a normal person. It’s true CARING that makes such an enormous difference … & it is well & truly noticed. Thank you for being so kind to that lady … I know just how grateful she would have felt for your patience … & CARE! 🙂
Do you have an illness that comes and goes Wendy? I can’t imagine how frustrating it must be not to be able to do things for yourself. I can also imagine how important caring people like these are to people in your situation. I hope all’s well now. 😀
I too know how that feels, when you can’t do it for your self little things means so much!
Beautiful story, I also take care of children with cancer. And just that extra smile or kiss before they go to sleep is so special. As for me I know what my calling is♡
The world is lucky to have people like you Joanne. Thank you. ❤
Such a beautiful, touching testimony. I’m in tears and so happy that you took the time to make this lady feel comfortable. If only there were more nurses like you. I’ve seen so many that aren’t. My visit to see my brother in the nursing home, I over heard one complaining and said she was so tired of “Old People”. I felt like lashing out at her but didn’t.~~~ She is in the wrong field of work. Thank you for being one of the GREAT one! God Bless you.
I totally agree Shirley. We need more who are so caring and dedicated. 😀
This nurse was an Angel helping this poorly lady to become comfortable in her last few hours of life and also so that her husband could see his beloved wife finally relaxed and comfortable before she flew with the Angels to Heaven.God Bless this Nurse for her wonderful caring and kind heart Xxxxx
And her kindness in helping the man’s husband too. Thanks Eileen. 😀