Detachment

Re: Detachment

Katie B — Sat, 08 Jan 2011 15:23:06 GMT

In my placement I have felt fine, was upset when I saw my first PTS but kept it together at work. When I qualify, it is my dream to work in an RSPCA/Blue Cross Hospital and I know I will struggle with that as I can't stand or think how anyone can abuse an animal! I know I will most proberly have a few nights when I come home and cry about what I have seen but I just think that I will feel so much better when an animal who was in a state gets well and goes to a new home. I first thought about being an inspector but realised I would most proberly end up hitting people who have abused animals! So thought best not and I love the idea of being a vet nursing and nursing them back to a better and happier life.

Re: Detachment

xXx Cat xXx — Tue, 04 Jan 2011 13:12:58 GMT

Thanks for your advice.

I dont find many PTS distressing unless I have been involved with the care of the pet. What I really find upsetting is that Humans can be so cruel. i.e. throwing older cats out as they dont get on with the new kittens ect. We have 2 pens at work one is a cpl sponsored pen the other is RSPCA so we always have a stray old cat that pulls on my heart strings and that is what I find difficult. I try to follow my own rule of 'Love the one you are with at the time' but it doesnt always work for me and I do get stressed and upset over them.

Thanks again your advice has been great.

Tracy

xXx

Re: Detachment

Claire Coulthard RVN — Wed, 29 Dec 2010 13:50:20 GMT

i do agree that if you're completely detached that you lose empathy with people but also remember if you take everything from work home with you it'll end up with a very crap work/life balance. slowly this could lead to stress/ depression and mean that you're not as effective at work while you're there. so try to remember to breathe when you get out of the door...and close the door behind you!

Re: Detachment

Heather Barlow — Wed, 29 Dec 2010 08:05:02 GMT

I for one hope you never fully detach, your key word must be empathy. I have been a VN and now a RVN for 30 years and still find some euthanasia's difficult, you must keep some of these feelings in order to remain the deeply caring Nurse that you are. If we fail to maintain our empathy and support, we might as well be automated.

Never dehumanise yourself, when you feel you need to express things talk to someone. Euthanasia is a huge part of our jobs, and one of the most difficult things we carry out, even if you cannot talk about this at work, speak on the forum. As a qualified pet bereavement counsellor I am still ridiculed at work with jibes such as "why have you studied death" which I have not- I have studied grief and bereavement and the deep impact it has on all those involved.

Please never fully detach, or you will loose a huge part of yourself

xxxxx

Re: Detachment

Juliet Drummond DAVN (med) RVN D32/33 — Tue, 28 Dec 2010 22:08:06 GMT

detachment is never easy, even after 20 years in this job some patients just get to you.

th only advice i can give you is to remind yourself that you are doing your very best for them, even if it means euthanasia, and take some comfort from that.

the fact that things trouble you, makes you a caring person, something that is vital in our role.