This time has finally came for me...just two days ago, for the first time in my short nurse practitioner career I had to tell a patient that he has cancer. It was one of the hardest thing I've ever done...to look someone in the eye and tell them, they have cancer. To look at their family member and tell them, we found cancer...
My job has a focus on adult primary care, which means, I see a lot of chronic illness as well as routine preventative care. The cool part of it all is that I get to see patient get better and follow-up with them from time to time. Before you know, you are not only their health provider...you start to learn about their family lives, work situation, and more importantly, develop a relationship with them. It was a shock to my system to have to share the news...I ended up breaking down in front of them...I don't know how to describe it, but I feel for them and wish I could give them a pill and tell them, this will make you feel better. This is not a simple sinus infection that you can treat, but my boss said a cool thing...we may not be able to help treat, but we can be there to be their support, make sure they get in with the specialist..and let them know, we are available...for that, I love my job...I thank GOd for this career path to allow me to help people.. this experience renewed my passion for medical mission...I want to do more...be out there for people...thanks for reading...
1 comment:
jo,
that sounds so tough, but i agree with your boss, you are there to support those families...the medical industry needs more people like you!
anyway, Isaac singing was the cutest video!
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