‘I Don’t Think Anything Can Prepare You for Seeing a Patient Die’

April 19, 2017

(The Guardian) – I saw my first patient death a few months ago, during my first placement on a medical ward. It was a woman with dementia. I was there when the doctor made the decision to remove her oxygen mask. We drew the curtains and I rubbed her leg, just to let her know that someone was with her. I was glad to be there as she took her final breaths. I still think about her. She was unmarried and had no family. She died alone, but we were there, so I guess she wasn’t completely alone.