Posted by Kristi Kirschnick (24.30.4.215) on January 05, 2001 at 16:58:33:
In Reply to: Death posted by Wayne J. on January 04, 2001 at 19:45:17:
Dear Wayne,
This is probably one of the hardest and most rewarding thing you will be doing as an NA. You will find that working as a caregiver results in you forming close relationships with these people and being there with them when they pass over unites you forever with their spirit. Dealing effectively with death means that you need to first face your own mortality and thoughts about death. How do you perceive death? Do you think it is painful? Do you perceive it as an end or a beginning? As a loss or a reunion? Once you can accept death as and end to suffering and as a reunion with those who have gone before us then you will no longer fear it. I find comfort in being able to provide final care for my residents because I look at it as my last gift to them. Don't get me wrong, I've done a lot of post mortem care with my eyes streaming continuously! But they were tears for me rather than tears for them. It's my loss of having them in my life. Also keep in mind that it is with our memories of those who pass that we truly keep them alive. You might want to think about joining the MaleNA's email discussion list through egroups. The URL is below. You need to join egroups to participate but it is free and easy. Good luck and welcome to the fold!
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: I'm a Male CNA and new to the Health Care field,unlike my wife(LPN).I will be going to work at the same Nursing Home she works at in the next week,I only have one large reservation and that is dealing with a client after he or she has passed.