A Humbling Experience

I have recently had a very humbling experience at the hospital that has inspired me and provided an opportunity to draw closer to my Heavenly Father. I was assigned a patient that was a few days postpartum, having given birth at a birthing center. After many unfortunate turns of events and several difficult days in the hospital, the patient died from an awful infection.

Why, then, was this a humbling experience? After the patient was admitted to the hospital, I found my self pondering about the last 2 hours of my life. I have to admit, I get frustrated with screaming, dramatic patients in our busy ER but this experience opened my eyes. I found myself praying to my Father in Heaven to help this women, to spare her life, and to bless the doctors/nurses that were caring for her. I felt a little bit like a hypocrite. I have, however, learned a few things. First, the fact that things aren't always what they appear to be (which I've now learned countless times in the ER). And second, that our Heavenly Father loves every single one of his children, even if they are screaming, annoying, drunk, rude, non-compliant, judgmental, or bad choice makers. AND He expects us to love them as well.

This was the first patient I have had that has died soon after my care. I know now that there was nothing we could have done better or different, but I know this experience will always remind me of my need to use my skills and knowledge to provide the best care possible, regardless of how annoyed or frustrated I become with a patient. 

I hope to talk to women in my life about the potential dangers that can occur during childbirth and how important it is to be near help and watched over during that time. All I can do now is educate people. Educate them on the need for proper healthcare, on the potential risks women face when given birth, on the chances of infection, on the severity of complications, and on the possibility of something going wrong, even in low-risk situations.