Do you think Dr's should be at their patients funerals?

[SandyCheeks]

I am a nurse on a CF inpatient unit (kids). From a nurses point of view death is always a difficult subject. Being a pediatric nurse, our goal is always to improve quality of life, so our minds are not always able to deal with losing someone we have cared for. There have been several patients that have passed away that have deeply affected me. I have never gone to a funeral mostly because I like to remember the kids I have cared for as they were. <img src="i/expressions/brokenheart.gif" border="0">

Our unit has had several kids and families that have chosen to stay on our unit during their last few days and hours (as opposed to the ICU, hospice or home). Generally their clinic CF nurse and doctor are a presence during the final hours. I don't want to say that I have enjoyed taking care of the dying, but there is something about taking good care of a family during such a difficult time and doing it well that makes the difficult easier to deal with.

For me losing a patient to CF is always difficult and I cope with it in many different ways. That being said, we are in the process of ruling out CF with our daughter, and I am not sure how I would feel about someone who had cared for her coming to her funeral. It would be difficult for me to imagine someone else feeling about her the way I have felt for my patients.

Interesting topic, thanks for posting it.

Sandy

 

[SandyCheeks]

I am a nurse on a CF inpatient unit (kids). From a nurses point of view death is always a difficult subject. Being a pediatric nurse, our goal is always to improve quality of life, so our minds are not always able to deal with losing someone we have cared for. There have been several patients that have passed away that have deeply affected me. I have never gone to a funeral mostly because I like to remember the kids I have cared for as they were. <img src="i/expressions/brokenheart.gif" border="0">

Our unit has had several kids and families that have chosen to stay on our unit during their last few days and hours (as opposed to the ICU, hospice or home). Generally their clinic CF nurse and doctor are a presence during the final hours. I don't want to say that I have enjoyed taking care of the dying, but there is something about taking good care of a family during such a difficult time and doing it well that makes the difficult easier to deal with.

For me losing a patient to CF is always difficult and I cope with it in many different ways. That being said, we are in the process of ruling out CF with our daughter, and I am not sure how I would feel about someone who had cared for her coming to her funeral. It would be difficult for me to imagine someone else feeling about her the way I have felt for my patients.

Interesting topic, thanks for posting it.

Sandy

 

[SandyCheeks]

I am a nurse on a CF inpatient unit (kids). From a nurses point of view death is always a difficult subject. Being a pediatric nurse, our goal is always to improve quality of life, so our minds are not always able to deal with losing someone we have cared for. There have been several patients that have passed away that have deeply affected me. I have never gone to a funeral mostly because I like to remember the kids I have cared for as they were. <img src="i/expressions/brokenheart.gif" border="0">

Our unit has had several kids and families that have chosen to stay on our unit during their last few days and hours (as opposed to the ICU, hospice or home). Generally their clinic CF nurse and doctor are a presence during the final hours. I don't want to say that I have enjoyed taking care of the dying, but there is something about taking good care of a family during such a difficult time and doing it well that makes the difficult easier to deal with.

For me losing a patient to CF is always difficult and I cope with it in many different ways. That being said, we are in the process of ruling out CF with our daughter, and I am not sure how I would feel about someone who had cared for her coming to her funeral. It would be difficult for me to imagine someone else feeling about her the way I have felt for my patients.

Interesting topic, thanks for posting it.

Sandy

 

[SandyCheeks]

I am a nurse on a CF inpatient unit (kids). From a nurses point of view death is always a difficult subject. Being a pediatric nurse, our goal is always to improve quality of life, so our minds are not always able to deal with losing someone we have cared for. There have been several patients that have passed away that have deeply affected me. I have never gone to a funeral mostly because I like to remember the kids I have cared for as they were. <img src="i/expressions/brokenheart.gif" border="0">

Our unit has had several kids and families that have chosen to stay on our unit during their last few days and hours (as opposed to the ICU, hospice or home). Generally their clinic CF nurse and doctor are a presence during the final hours. I don't want to say that I have enjoyed taking care of the dying, but there is something about taking good care of a family during such a difficult time and doing it well that makes the difficult easier to deal with.

For me losing a patient to CF is always difficult and I cope with it in many different ways. That being said, we are in the process of ruling out CF with our daughter, and I am not sure how I would feel about someone who had cared for her coming to her funeral. It would be difficult for me to imagine someone else feeling about her the way I have felt for my patients.

Interesting topic, thanks for posting it.

Sandy

 

[SandyCheeks]

I am a nurse on a CF inpatient unit (kids). From a nurses point of view death is always a difficult subject. Being a pediatric nurse, our goal is always to improve quality of life, so our minds are not always able to deal with losing someone we have cared for. There have been several patients that have passed away that have deeply affected me. I have never gone to a funeral mostly because I like to remember the kids I have cared for as they were. <img src="i/expressions/brokenheart.gif" border="0">
<br />
<br />Our unit has had several kids and families that have chosen to stay on our unit during their last few days and hours (as opposed to the ICU, hospice or home). Generally their clinic CF nurse and doctor are a presence during the final hours. I don't want to say that I have enjoyed taking care of the dying, but there is something about taking good care of a family during such a difficult time and doing it well that makes the difficult easier to deal with.
<br />
<br />For me losing a patient to CF is always difficult and I cope with it in many different ways. That being said, we are in the process of ruling out CF with our daughter, and I am not sure how I would feel about someone who had cared for her coming to her funeral. It would be difficult for me to imagine someone else feeling about her the way I have felt for my patients.
<br />
<br />Interesting topic, thanks for posting it.
<br />
<br />Sandy

 

[shamrock]

Over here a lot of the team tend to go to funerals, so ward nurses, cf nurses and staff and maybe a doc too (obviously it depends on their schedule though).

 

[shamrock]

Over here a lot of the team tend to go to funerals, so ward nurses, cf nurses and staff and maybe a doc too (obviously it depends on their schedule though).

 

[shamrock]

Over here a lot of the team tend to go to funerals, so ward nurses, cf nurses and staff and maybe a doc too (obviously it depends on their schedule though).

 

[shamrock]

Over here a lot of the team tend to go to funerals, so ward nurses, cf nurses and staff and maybe a doc too (obviously it depends on their schedule though).

 

[shamrock]

Over here a lot of the team tend to go to funerals, so ward nurses, cf nurses and staff and maybe a doc too (obviously it depends on their schedule though).

 

[CaliSally]

I agree with all the points spoken.

I think it would be a great gesture if they were able to, but No, I don't think morally they "should".

As chronically ill patients, we become closer to our health care professionals than the average Jo, however that shouldn't obligate them to attend. I think it's their personal preference. Some dr's feel closer to some patients than others, other times, time just doesn't allow. (they still have patients to attend to, and their own families - who usually get the short end of the stick to begin with).

I've had a similar experience - One of my best friends didn't attend my Mom's funeral. Some might believe that a friend "should" be there for the other friend. But I understood 100%, these kinds of issues were very difficult for her. I didn't hold it against her.

As others have said, if they couldn't make it to the funeral, I would hope they would at least take the time to call.

 

[CaliSally]

I agree with all the points spoken.

I think it would be a great gesture if they were able to, but No, I don't think morally they "should".

As chronically ill patients, we become closer to our health care professionals than the average Jo, however that shouldn't obligate them to attend. I think it's their personal preference. Some dr's feel closer to some patients than others, other times, time just doesn't allow. (they still have patients to attend to, and their own families - who usually get the short end of the stick to begin with).

I've had a similar experience - One of my best friends didn't attend my Mom's funeral. Some might believe that a friend "should" be there for the other friend. But I understood 100%, these kinds of issues were very difficult for her. I didn't hold it against her.

As others have said, if they couldn't make it to the funeral, I would hope they would at least take the time to call.

 

[CaliSally]

I agree with all the points spoken.

I think it would be a great gesture if they were able to, but No, I don't think morally they "should".

As chronically ill patients, we become closer to our health care professionals than the average Jo, however that shouldn't obligate them to attend. I think it's their personal preference. Some dr's feel closer to some patients than others, other times, time just doesn't allow. (they still have patients to attend to, and their own families - who usually get the short end of the stick to begin with).

I've had a similar experience - One of my best friends didn't attend my Mom's funeral. Some might believe that a friend "should" be there for the other friend. But I understood 100%, these kinds of issues were very difficult for her. I didn't hold it against her.

As others have said, if they couldn't make it to the funeral, I would hope they would at least take the time to call.

 

[CaliSally]

I agree with all the points spoken.

I think it would be a great gesture if they were able to, but No, I don't think morally they "should".

As chronically ill patients, we become closer to our health care professionals than the average Jo, however that shouldn't obligate them to attend. I think it's their personal preference. Some dr's feel closer to some patients than others, other times, time just doesn't allow. (they still have patients to attend to, and their own families - who usually get the short end of the stick to begin with).

I've had a similar experience - One of my best friends didn't attend my Mom's funeral. Some might believe that a friend "should" be there for the other friend. But I understood 100%, these kinds of issues were very difficult for her. I didn't hold it against her.

As others have said, if they couldn't make it to the funeral, I would hope they would at least take the time to call.

 

[CaliSally]

I agree with all the points spoken.
<br />
<br />I think it would be a great gesture if they were able to, but No, I don't think morally they "should".
<br />
<br />As chronically ill patients, we become closer to our health care professionals than the average Jo, however that shouldn't obligate them to attend. I think it's their personal preference. Some dr's feel closer to some patients than others, other times, time just doesn't allow. (they still have patients to attend to, and their own families - who usually get the short end of the stick to begin with).
<br />
<br />I've had a similar experience - One of my best friends didn't attend my Mom's funeral. Some might believe that a friend "should" be there for the other friend. But I understood 100%, these kinds of issues were very difficult for her. I didn't hold it against her.
<br />
<br />As others have said, if they couldn't make it to the funeral, I would hope they would at least take the time to call.

 

[JustDucky]

It depends on the relationship you have with your doctor. My primary doc is very involved in my care, does home visits every month and has even taken me to plays. She has even traveled to hospitals that weren't in her network to check up on me. I also know that she has attended some of her patient's funerals. Keep in mind that I live in a small community of just over a thousand people, the kind where you know who is who and going to the local grocery store becomes a familiar meeting ground for many.
I would not expect her to come to my funeral, but would not be surprised if she did indeed attend.
It is the doctor's call...they are so stretched as it is. My primary doc works insane hours, being on call for days on end. I can understand how easy it is to become attached to patients, especially in a close knit community. Working as a nurse, I knew at least half of the inpatients that came through our 80 bed facility. When I worked with oncology patients, it was not uncommon to have a nurse, doctor or both with a patient when they took their last breaths. Most oncology patients were in and out of the hospital, it was easy to get close to them....being there for them in the end was difficult at times, but I felt priviledged to be there. Many of these patients also became close to the staff, some to the point of calling us second families (something I didn't understand until I was hospitalized repeatedly). When they passed on, I was paying my final respects to them...I felt it was the decent thing to do for them. They deserved that kind of respect.

 

[JustDucky]

It depends on the relationship you have with your doctor. My primary doc is very involved in my care, does home visits every month and has even taken me to plays. She has even traveled to hospitals that weren't in her network to check up on me. I also know that she has attended some of her patient's funerals. Keep in mind that I live in a small community of just over a thousand people, the kind where you know who is who and going to the local grocery store becomes a familiar meeting ground for many.
I would not expect her to come to my funeral, but would not be surprised if she did indeed attend.
It is the doctor's call...they are so stretched as it is. My primary doc works insane hours, being on call for days on end. I can understand how easy it is to become attached to patients, especially in a close knit community. Working as a nurse, I knew at least half of the inpatients that came through our 80 bed facility. When I worked with oncology patients, it was not uncommon to have a nurse, doctor or both with a patient when they took their last breaths. Most oncology patients were in and out of the hospital, it was easy to get close to them....being there for them in the end was difficult at times, but I felt priviledged to be there. Many of these patients also became close to the staff, some to the point of calling us second families (something I didn't understand until I was hospitalized repeatedly). When they passed on, I was paying my final respects to them...I felt it was the decent thing to do for them. They deserved that kind of respect.

 

[JustDucky]

It depends on the relationship you have with your doctor. My primary doc is very involved in my care, does home visits every month and has even taken me to plays. She has even traveled to hospitals that weren't in her network to check up on me. I also know that she has attended some of her patient's funerals. Keep in mind that I live in a small community of just over a thousand people, the kind where you know who is who and going to the local grocery store becomes a familiar meeting ground for many.
I would not expect her to come to my funeral, but would not be surprised if she did indeed attend.
It is the doctor's call...they are so stretched as it is. My primary doc works insane hours, being on call for days on end. I can understand how easy it is to become attached to patients, especially in a close knit community. Working as a nurse, I knew at least half of the inpatients that came through our 80 bed facility. When I worked with oncology patients, it was not uncommon to have a nurse, doctor or both with a patient when they took their last breaths. Most oncology patients were in and out of the hospital, it was easy to get close to them....being there for them in the end was difficult at times, but I felt priviledged to be there. Many of these patients also became close to the staff, some to the point of calling us second families (something I didn't understand until I was hospitalized repeatedly). When they passed on, I was paying my final respects to them...I felt it was the decent thing to do for them. They deserved that kind of respect.

 

[JustDucky]

It depends on the relationship you have with your doctor. My primary doc is very involved in my care, does home visits every month and has even taken me to plays. She has even traveled to hospitals that weren't in her network to check up on me. I also know that she has attended some of her patient's funerals. Keep in mind that I live in a small community of just over a thousand people, the kind where you know who is who and going to the local grocery store becomes a familiar meeting ground for many.
I would not expect her to come to my funeral, but would not be surprised if she did indeed attend.
It is the doctor's call...they are so stretched as it is. My primary doc works insane hours, being on call for days on end. I can understand how easy it is to become attached to patients, especially in a close knit community. Working as a nurse, I knew at least half of the inpatients that came through our 80 bed facility. When I worked with oncology patients, it was not uncommon to have a nurse, doctor or both with a patient when they took their last breaths. Most oncology patients were in and out of the hospital, it was easy to get close to them....being there for them in the end was difficult at times, but I felt priviledged to be there. Many of these patients also became close to the staff, some to the point of calling us second families (something I didn't understand until I was hospitalized repeatedly). When they passed on, I was paying my final respects to them...I felt it was the decent thing to do for them. They deserved that kind of respect.

 

[JustDucky]

It depends on the relationship you have with your doctor. My primary doc is very involved in my care, does home visits every month and has even taken me to plays. She has even traveled to hospitals that weren't in her network to check up on me. I also know that she has attended some of her patient's funerals. Keep in mind that I live in a small community of just over a thousand people, the kind where you know who is who and going to the local grocery store becomes a familiar meeting ground for many.
<br />I would not expect her to come to my funeral, but would not be surprised if she did indeed attend.
<br />It is the doctor's call...they are so stretched as it is. My primary doc works insane hours, being on call for days on end. I can understand how easy it is to become attached to patients, especially in a close knit community. Working as a nurse, I knew at least half of the inpatients that came through our 80 bed facility. When I worked with oncology patients, it was not uncommon to have a nurse, doctor or both with a patient when they took their last breaths. Most oncology patients were in and out of the hospital, it was easy to get close to them....being there for them in the end was difficult at times, but I felt priviledged to be there. Many of these patients also became close to the staff, some to the point of calling us second families (something I didn't understand until I was hospitalized repeatedly). When they passed on, I was paying my final respects to them...I felt it was the decent thing to do for them. They deserved that kind of respect.