Nurses on Death and Dying

[@GIguy]

I did things a little different, I was the patient first, and then the healthcare worker secondly. When I was 21 my large intestines ruptured, killing me for two minutes, where I had a near death experience and got to see my grandfather who died when I was eight years old. I spent so long in the hospital, I fell in love with being a healthcare worker. As soon as I was able I went back to college, and got my degree starting off in medical laboratory sciences, and then medical radiation sciences. In my career I have experienced hundreds of deaths, but having gone through it myself, I just forgot it so much easier to deal with then my other coworkers. I was actually happy for the patients most times, unless they died under tragic circumstances. Many coworkers thought I was cruel, until I explain to them why I was happy for the patient. There’s no school they could ever teach you what it is to experience death, either as a patient or as a healthcare worker, but I can tell you this, there is such thing as a beautiful death. Dying is as much a part of life as living is, yet it get such a bad rap, and something nobody wants to talk about, except for me, I never shut up about it. I honestly believe I was given a second chance so I could share what I learned, so I could educate the public and hopefully bring them a little peace and comfort when there or someone they love death occurs. My death was sudden, being only 21, I had no idea what was going on, all I know is I could see myself on the operating table as the surgeons frantically tried saving my life, and then in an instant, I was surrounded by a bright light, and then I can see a man approach, and figured out it was my grandpa. I have Crohn’s disease, I had spent the previous month in the foetal position, bleeding internally and then and agony that is beyond description, and suddenly I’m transported to this place, Field with every wonderful positive happy loving emotion you could ever envision, and all the agony and depression and sorrel is instantly gone. I will never ever forget that experience as long as I live, and frankly I don’t care if people believe me or not. I am absolutely certain that I was given a second chance to share my story, and to give people hope when they are faced with death. Again, there is such a thing as a beautiful death, it’s just a matter of perspective, it’s all something we are destined to do, so let’s take the fear away and replace that fear with understanding and love, and suddenly you’ll find that it’s not so scary anymore, that is just another part of life, and that It is not goodbye, nor is it an ending, it’s merely until we meet again, and it’s the start of a new adventure in the next stage of existence.

[@tamdaly463]

In Ireland we still have traditional Irish wakes, the person who has died, Is brought home in a coffin for 3 days, before going to Church for Requim Mass and burial. refreshments are always on hand, Everyone is welcome, ( including children ) we share stories, and Prayers. Because of this tradition, There is no fear of dead bodies. Death is just the beginning of eternity.

[@ellalarkin1016]

This made me cry. These nurses are lovely human beings; brave, kind, compassionate and hardworking. God bless them and all their patients always. Love from Veronica

[@DA-jw6nm]

thank God for nurses

[@jameswright232]

These professionals should be paid double if not triple their wages... what an incredible insight into the work they do... a very important video.... thank you for this it really made me pause and think 😘🙏🏽

[@ibkristykat]

i see people every day.. who are struggling to breathe, in pain, feeling anxious and restless, nauseous but wanting to eat. They just want it to end. But they want to be pain free, able to breathe, and not throwing up and not so anxious. So the nurses in my facility where i've worked for 6 years do a great job at giving the LEAST amount of meds as possible to get them comfortable. I'm the one to get them comfy in bed, give them a bath, and wash their hair, feed them if they can't, or give them their meals and set them up so they CAN feed themselves. Walk them around or help them go out side to smoke a cigarette. Hell i've even given them a cup of wine or liquor. :) We are NOT rehab to quit drinking. They want it? They get it. I've had people who had OD'd on illegal drugs, and now they are passing as a result. We give them meds to keep their drug levels up so they don't pass from having withdrawals (which will kill) - and then allow them pass gently & NOT in pain. We, too, have seen pets, SO many pictures, and we have webcams so patients can Skype. I've seen some peaceful deaths, and not many of the scary bad ones. Maybe 2 times in 6 years. :) Soooo many families. Great experiences. And help the families that are left behind. That's what i do.

[@Irished58]

What beautiful testimonies you have provided. The UK is blessed to have such fine, competent and caring nurses working there. Thanks you for those who couldn't say thank you.

[@noahone3577]

angels of mercy

[@blissfulone6749]

You are the most beautiful souls ever! Many Blessings to all of you. I loved my Hospice work. Retired now. I would have loved to have worked with any of you. Hello from Arizona. ❣️❣️❣️

[@taraa8241]

I get you totally. I am a Midwife now because i got soo emotional seeing Sad cases and dying in the Medical wards and emergency rooms. I still deal with Cases of stillbirth and have seen 3 maternal deaths of young woman. Its part of our jobs and we try our best to help others but we never forget certain situations of People who have touched our Hearts. Its Bittet sweet and makes yoj a strong buy always empathetic person.

[@thorlo1278]

I wntras an RN for only 24 years and had to go on disability when I was only 59. My first encounter with death was an old man who was dying from many different causes. Nursing aides are not licensed and usually aren't allowed to call MD's for orders. But that night the charge nurse was also on the code team. This all occurred back in the late 70's. The graduate nurse went literally catatonic. Her and the Charge Nurse were the only licensed people on the floor. Since I was in RN school, the Charge Nurse, and the ER Doctor had me call the Primary MD. I relayed his orders to the code team. I was the one who had to clean up the room and take the deceased to the morgue. I still remember this incident as if it were yesterday.

[@WorldElectronica]

Such beautiful souls

[@riobrasilsambashowssambist1453]

Such an incredibly important amazing job. Spiritual and scientific. The real heroes

[@garymccann5079]

Beautiful people God Bless......................................

[@SophieRebeccaa]

This is so beautiful and touching ❤️ thank you for sharing x

[@144Donn]

VERY special people! beautiful video!

[@kidda74]

Beautiful caring people! x

[@OfficialWelshWoman8309]

beautiful, kind ladies.x

[@Maik-iz7gs]

Powerful

[@jcsmith9412]

Insightful, thanks!

[@mirandabaxter9296]

I don't think detaching is an advanced nursing skill..being attached is what's gonna make you go the extra mile for a person. Just my opinion...

[@ibkristykat]

"be where your feet are". :) That's what we were reminded of a couple of meetings ago at my work. :) But i'm able to detach and not let them get too 'familiar' in my heart - if i do, and i identify too much - i'd end up on depression meds like a lot of my colleagues :(

[@CathieSoli]

There has to be professional detachment. You can't take your work home with home. Not good at all emotionally and mentally.

[@JimInTally]

I couldn't understand much if anything the first nurse was saying, her accent was so thick.