I had a tough shift last week when I lost a patient I’d been caring for a while — it really hit me harder than I expected… Just wondering how others manage the emotional weight in this job. Anyone else?
It’s tough, I know. One thing that helps me is talking it out with a trusted colleague — sometimes just sharing how we feel can lighten the load a bit… Have you tried that with anyone on your team?
I totally get it; losing a patient is heart-wrenching. I’ve found journaling my feelings afterward really helps me process things. Have you tried writing it out? @MayaICU brings up a great point about sharing, too.
Losing a patient you cared for is incredibly hard; I’ve had my share of those moments too; something that helps me is trying to make a memory box or keepsake in their honor. It feels like a way to hold onto the good times while processing the grief.
It’s like trying to carry a heavy backpack that keeps getting heavier. One thing I’ve found helpful is creating a little ritual to honor the ones we’ve lost, even if it’s just lighting a candle at home. Have you thought about ways to remember them?