I'm Dying

"I'm dying", he mouthed to me.

I looked at the monitor- vitals signs were stable. I quickly assessed his body- no signs of imminent death. I met his resolute eyes and immediately understood. 

He was done.

After 3 weeks on life support while fighting his terminal interstitial lung disease, he was finished. He was ready to go. 

I woke up his wife and told her it was time. She held his hand in private and told him he could go be with their son. He asked if she would be ok. She promised she would. They expressed their love to each other and assured each other they would reunite. They asked me to have the breathing tube removed. 

It was quiet. Sweet. Reverent. Sacred. Dignified. Peaceful. 

When we allow patients to stay awake in the ICU we maintain their dignity as humans. We can provide care and even death on their terms.

 By avoiding sedation and preventing ICU delirium we give them more time to be truly present with us. We can preserve sacred moments even to their very last.

#earlymobility #abcdefbundle #acutecarenursepractitioner #sedation #criticalcare #iculiberation #ventilator #icu #Wakeupandwalk #humanizetheICU #healthcare