1. In the book, Critical Care, there are several occurrences of patients’ deaths. Choose one account and discuss your impressions of this experience. What, if anything, surprised you about the situation. What are your feelings about dealing with patient deaths.
Theresa’s first experience with death was with her patient, Mary, who had no options left for treatment. In these situations, death is expected, but it is like a waiting game. This type of uncertainty can be difficult for a family to endure. Having to make tough decisions regarding their loved one, will often lead them to wanting advice from the nurses and doctors. I partially understand why Theresa was upset that she had to wait for the family to come to her when they were ready to let go of Mary. It seemed like she wasn’t doing enough and not explaining their options. This wasn’t quite the case. The family needed to come to terms with the situation and then go to Theresa when they were ready. Most importantly, a nurse needs to be there to support the family and Theresa did just that.
The one part that took me by surprise was when the breathing machine had an alarm go off, and no one knew how to stop it. I feel as though the staff should’ve been aware and able to avoid it. An alarm going off at a time like this, is inappropriate and not what a family should hear. Although they did the best they could by rolling it out of the room and down the hall, it would’ve been better if it hadn’t sounded at all.
Dealing with death is not going to be easy, but as a nurse, I know I’ll have to endure it. I know from experience how much of an impact a nurse can have on a family that is dealing with the loss of a loved one. I will be there for my patient and their family as best as I can and help them make it through a very challenging time. It will not be easy, but my priority is to be the advocate and caretaker needed.
3. In the chapter, Switch, Theresa Brown writes, “But nursing is too difficult and too important a job for help to come with a hierarchy.” Describe one example of where you see that hierarchy manifested and one example where you saw more egalitarian treatment in the book. This can include relationships between doctor and nurse, nurse and nurse, doctor and patient, or nurse and patient.
Theresa explains her encounter with Crystal, a nurse clinician, who acted more like a bully. Crystal was loud and humiliating with her delivery. This type of exchange should be done in private, with less of a demeaning approach. Crystal should not be yelling at Theresa and putting her down. Instead, she should be asking and explaining what she needs Theresa to understand in a constructive and helpful way. This situation shows a hierarchy, where Crystal believed she was superior to Theresa.
An example of when egalitarian treatment was used was when Theresa was still working with her preceptor. Their patient’s back had split open and instead of just doing what she thought was right, Penny asked Theresa for her opinion on whether or not to call the code. Penny is an experienced nurse and could have called the code or not, but she asked Theresa. This demonstrates a sense of equality between the novice nurse and experienced nurse.
4. Choose one section of the book (sentence, passage, chapter) that was particularly meaningful to you and explain why.
A moment that stuck with me was when Theresa was leaving Mary’s room, but before she did, she looked over at Al and smiled. This shows how even a small gesture can impact someone. At this moment Theresa felt like she was not contributing to Mary’s case, but her brief glance with Al made it seem like she was helping, even if it was in the slightest way. Nursing isn’t all about the big moments, like catching a problem or saving a life. Of course, these big moments are very important, but small moments can really make an impact on patients and their families. It’s important to be there for your patients and their families and make sure they understand that. I think Theresa taking the time to look over at Al and give him a reassuring look, did just that.
5. Theresa Brown relates the following poem by Frank Bidart to a career in nursing: I hate and love. Ignorant fish, who even wants the fly while writhing. How do you react to the idea of loving and hating a career in nursing? What aspects of the nursing profession do you see on both sides?
I can see how nursing may be a career that is loved and hated. Nursing can be challenging and tolling on individuals, but at the same time very rewarding. There are many moments that can have you loving your job. Like, when you notice a change in you patient and are able to help them improve, or if you are able to comfort your patient and their family and help them during a difficult time. Even when someone thanks you for the hard work you do, and you realize that you are in fact making a positive difference in people’s lives. On the other hand, there’s the bad times that can make you hate the job. Losing a patient, not knowing how to help a patient, feeling exhausted, or feeling emotionally drained. Those are the times that may leave you questioning your career choice and maybe hating your job. Overall, I do believe that nursing is the correct career choice for me, even with the good and bad parts.
