Today we had a code. For a two year old.
You know....I see a lot of dead people. It's just the nature of my job. Quite honestly, it doesn't bother me. (Because I don't know the dead people...nor really anything about them...and most of the time they are "mostly dead" before they ever get to the hospital.) However, when it's a kid. It's different. There is never a good peds code. Ever. The child today had an accident. Accidents happen, that's life. But this one resulted in death.
The patient wasn't mine. The doctor that I am working with was running the code. All the nurses were assisting in care...chest compressions, IVs, medications, etc. Everyone was doing their job. But what about the dad? There was no one to be with the dad.
Enter me.
I am good at what I do, but that's just it. There was nothing for me to do. So I stood in the room next door with the dad, and I had NO idea what to say. I asked him if he had any questions or needed me to call anyone. He didn't. I put my hand on his shoulder. He moved away. He was very tearful and upset. But what did I have to offer? I had no words. I was performing no actions (even though one room over was a flurry of action). And in the end, I had no good news.
What do you say?
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3 Comments:
I'm sorry you had to experience this. It makes me sad for that family.
I think that saying nothing is appropriate. After all, there is nothing you can say except that you are sorry. If it were me in the dad's shoes, I would be comforted in not having to sit there alone.
It is a bone chilling moment to have someone you love die. I believe you were in the right place at the appointed time. That poor man did not have to be alone because of you. You are a comforter in many ways and today I believe you were again.
Thanks for sharing...Love you bunches!
Thanks for sharing this part of your "world" with us, even though it is a very difficult, sad part. I'm certain just the presence of someone who wanted to express compassion was a comfort to the dad. He was not alone...think how awful that would have felt. What you do must be a "calling" because I'm pretty sure I couldn't do it. Looking back, I can see God's hand fashioning you for "such a time as this." Thanks for being faithful to follow His leading in your life. I love you lots.
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