You just lost a patient. How can you recover and keep moving forward?

1 Acknowledge your feelings

The first step to recover from losing a patient is to acknowledge and accept your feelings. You may feel grief, shock, disbelief, or even relief, depending on the circumstances of the death. There is no right or wrong way to feel, and you should not judge yourself or others for how you react. It is normal and healthy to express your emotions, whether it is through crying, talking, writing, or other outlets. Bottling up your feelings can lead to stress, burnout, or depression.

2 Seek support

The second step to recover from losing a patient is to seek support from others who understand what you are going through. You can reach out to your colleagues, mentors, supervisors, or counselors for emotional and professional guidance. You can also join a peer support group, where you can share your experiences and learn from others who have faced similar situations. You may also find comfort in your family, friends, or faith community, who can offer you love and compassion.

3 Take care of yourself

The third step to recover from losing a patient is to take care of yourself physically and mentally. You may feel exhausted, overwhelmed, or anxious after losing a patient, and you may neglect your own needs. However, it is important to prioritize your well-being and practice self-care. You can do this by getting enough sleep, eating well, exercising, meditating, or engaging in hobbies that make you happy. You can also set boundaries and limits on your workload, and take breaks when you need them.

4 Reflect and learn

The fourth step to recover from losing a patient is to reflect and learn from the experience. You may wonder if you could have done something differently, or if you made any mistakes that contributed to the outcome. You may also feel unsure about your skills or abilities as a nurse. While it is natural to question yourself, you should not blame yourself or dwell on the past. Instead, you should focus on what you can learn from the situation, and how you can improve your practice for the future.

5 Honor and remember

The fifth step to recover from losing a patient is to honor and remember them in a positive way. You can do this by attending their funeral or memorial service, sending a card or flowers to their family, or making a donation to a cause they cared about. You can also keep a journal or a scrapbook of the memories you shared with them, or create a tribute wall or a memory box in your workplace. You can also celebrate their life and achievements, and acknowledge the impact they had on you.

6 Move on

The sixth and final step to recover from losing a patient is to move on with your life and career. You may feel guilty or disloyal for moving on, but you should not let the loss of a patient define you or hold you back. You should remember that you are a valuable and competent nurse, and that you have a purpose and a passion for helping others. You should also recognize that losing a patient is not a failure, but a part of your journey as a healthcare professional.