I can't imagine this line of work but for care givers that have your heart I have the utmost respect. Sorry for your feeling helpless despite having done your best. Really, all you can do is your best in a moment. Try to take solace in that you did what you could, as clearly you're not uncaring.

It sounds funny, and without being able to articulate why, I'd say the holding his hand part was as important as all the other treatment.

I am so sorry. This is the reason I had to get out of direct patient care - the toll became too much to bear for me. So now I help in other ways. It takes a very strong person - hugs and love my friend.

thank you @Josephine for wearing the colors you do.

Been there done that. Used to do hearts and vascular surgery exclusively. Self care is very important. Work through your feelings. Let yourself experience them but don't let them devour you. Use the experience of the comfort you were able to provide to strengthen you. That's the amazing thing about nursing is the variety in which you can care. My wife worked NICU and we have both told each other we wouldn't be able to do the others job.

I'm so sorry. Hugs

Sorry i’ve been a nurse for years, it’s part of the job. Just know you did your best by him/her.

You would do more if you could. they aren't in pain anymore. don't beat yourself up honestly. it's fine being upset because you lost someone.

My father was a surgeon -- the type that you wanted when under the knife. We could always tell when someone died on the table -- he didn't speak to anyone for a few days. He only lost a few patients on the table. One can only try to do their best. No matter how one tries to distance themselves from a patient, in the back of the mind, a doctor knows what is going on with his / her patient. My best thoughts to you! It is a thing. But where we would be without medicine?

I'm sorry. Care giving is never easy. Things don't always go as planned. I am glad he experienced compassion and caring as his last human experience. I am glad you were there to provide that. Sending hugs and thoughts of peace and comfort...

I’m sure that you couldn’t do more. If you could resurrect the dead your profession would cease to exist. Keep doing what you can.

Hang in there for yourself and for all the good you do for the ones that make it and all the comfort you give to those who don't. What you do has real meaning for a lot of people.

k about those who you saved. If you wasn't doing your job they would be good as dead as well. I'm sorry about that you lost him but you can't save everyone. It's just life. Thank you for caring about people. U are a good person

k of all the people that have survived because of your work and sleep well!

My father was a surgeon -- the type that you wanted when under the knife. We could always tell when someone died on the table -- he didn't speak to anyone for a few days. He only lost a few patients on the table. One can only try to do their best. No matter how one tries to distance themselves from a patient, in the back of the mind, a doctor knows what is going on with his / her patient. My best thoughts to you! It is a thing. But where we would be without medicine?

OMG..I'm sorry that happened.
Nope. Not a job I'd like.