Scenario:

A nurse named Sarah worked in a pediatric oncology unit. She cared for a young patient named Alex who had been diagnosed with a terminal illness. Over time, Sarah developed a strong bond with Alex and his family. When Alex’s condition deteriorated, Sarah was present at his bedside during his final moments.

Impact on the Professional and Personal Self:

Sarah’s exposure to Alex’s trauma deeply affected her both professionally and personally. Witnessing the pain and suffering of a young child and his family was emotionally taxing. She experienced feelings of sadness, grief, and helplessness. As a professional, Sarah struggled to maintain a sense of objectivity and detachment, finding it difficult to separate her personal emotions from her role as a caregiver.

Preparation and Self-Care:

While Sarah had received some training on dealing with patient death and grief, she was not fully prepared for the intensity of her emotional response to Alex’s passing. In that moment, she focused on self-care strategies to cope with her emotions. These included:

• Talking to colleagues: Sharing her feelings with trusted colleagues provided a sense of support and validation.
• Seeking counseling: Sarah sought professional counseling to process her emotions and develop healthy coping mechanisms.
• Engaging in self-care activities: She prioritized activities that helped her relax and recharge, such as spending time in nature, practicing mindfulness, and engaging in hobbies.

Mezzo and Macro Level Influences:

Sarah’s exposure to Alex’s trauma also influenced the mezzo and macro levels of her life and work. On a mezzo level, she became more aware of the need for improved support services for families dealing with terminal illness. She advocated for increased funding for palliative care and bereavement counseling. On a macro level, Sarah’s experience highlighted the importance of addressing the emotional well-being of healthcare professionals who are exposed to traumatic events. She supported initiatives to promote mental health awareness and access to mental health services within the healthcare workforce.