You Just Never Know
I wrote this about a patient a couple days ago:
My patient was several days post-op, recovering well, and waiting for a floor bed to become available for him.
I was finding myself rushing around to get all my work done–and accomplishing that feat by 09:00. The remainder of my shifts were spent staring at my patient while he stared back.
On rounds, when presenting my patient, I was sure everyone was ready to fall asleep. Vital signs normal, breathing normal, peeing normal…zzzzzzz.
New goals and orders: none
He was no longer in the ICU yesterday when I worked, so I assumed he had finally been transferred to the surgical unit.
His wife walked into the unit carrying a big box of donuts.
“Hello!” I gleefully shouted. I adored her. “How is your husband enjoying his new room upstairs?”
“He didn’t make it.” She responded sadly.
“Wait, what?!”
“He had a cardiac arrest and died two nights ago. He never made it upstairs.”
I gave her my condolences. After she left, I asked around. He had coded the night after I had cared for him. They had started CPR and brought the crash cart to his bedside, but soon stopped as he had a DNR order.
You just never know…
September 12th, 2009 at 12:38
Oh no… if only someone had given you a heads-up… I guess you never know.
October 23rd, 2009 at 12:52
Hello!
Given the popularity and prevalence of twitter, I put together a list of 50 different nurses on Twitter that you can follow to potentially get some insight on their medical lives. If you wouldn’t mind, could you share my list with your readers?
Here’s the post:
http://blog.onlinecollegeguru.com/health-care/50-nurses-you-can-follow-on-twitter/
Many thanks!
Richard
October 25th, 2009 at 14:23
Im sorry. Reminds me of those cases w/ elective surgery and unremarkable stay that just code and dont make it. Makes me paranoid.
November 5th, 2009 at 16:47
Really love this blog. The stories are all so touching. Thanks so much for sharing.
January 12th, 2010 at 12:09
To Whom It May Concern,
This is Ryan Flaherty Editor for Hospital.com, We are a free medical publication whose sole purpose is to offer a free informational resource to both the consumer and professional public. We are featured on some of the major online medical resources.
I’ve found your blog through a few of our mutual online affiliates and would love to work with you as well. I have interest in being included within your blog roll and would love to explore possibilities. Thank you for your time, I look forward to your response.
Sincerely,
Ryan Flaherty, Editor, Hospital.com
1 International Blvd.
Mahwah,New Jersey
United States
O (201) 252-8293
C (201) 247-8553
Editor@Hospital.com
February 18th, 2010 at 06:12
Where the bloody hell are you? Hope your alright!