What Are Your Thoughts? I Have Been Working In The Medical S
What Are Your Thoughtsi Have Been Working In The Medical Surgical Depa
Having spent 11 years working in the medical-surgical department, I have gained profound insights and lived experiences that have shaped my perspectives on life, death, and the role of healthcare professionals. During my time in this demanding environment, I have witnessed the heartbreaking reality of death firsthand—at least ten times—though not on an everyday basis. These encounters with mortality have deeply influenced my understanding of the human condition and my personal beliefs.
One of the most challenging aspects of my work has been witnessing patients struggle for life, especially when they are unable to survive despite our best efforts. The pain of watching someone fight valiantly and ultimately lose their battle with illness is one of the most distressing experiences I have faced. I often blame myself for not being able to save every patient, questioning whether I missed early signs that could have changed the outcome. These feelings of guilt are natural but also serve as a reminder of the complexities inherent in medical care and the unpredictable nature of illness and death.
Throughout these experiences, I have observed that death manifests differently depending on the patient's age, health status, and circumstances. It is particularly poignant when I see young individuals pass away unexpectedly, which evokes a sense of injustice and sorrow. Conversely, witnessing the death of elderly patients or those suffering from terminal diseases has often brought a sense of peace, acceptance, and understanding. It has reinforced my belief that death is an inevitable part of life, and it is not something to be feared but embraced as a transition.
My spiritual beliefs also influence my views on mortality. I believe that life is a divine gift from God, and He has the sole authority over its beginning and end. According to my faith, life and death are part of a divine plan, and I find comfort in the idea that God's purpose for us ultimately determines when our time comes. This perspective helps me cope with the grief associated with patient loss, reminding me that death is not an ending but a transition to a different phase of existence.
Working in healthcare has also fostered a sense of acceptance and resilience. It has taught me that death serves a purpose—sometimes as a release from suffering, other times as part of natural life’s cycle. Accepting mortality as a fundamental truth enables me to provide compassionate care, support grieving families, and maintain hope and faith amidst adversity. Moreover, my experience has underscored the importance of holistic care, recognizing the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of patients and their loved ones during their most vulnerable moments.
In conclusion, my journey in the medical-surgical department has profoundly shaped my worldview. Witnessing death regularly has reinforced my understanding of life's transient nature and strengthened my faith in divine order. It has also instilled in me a compassionate approach to patient care, emphasizing dignity, empathy, and spiritual support. As healthcare professionals, we play a vital role in guiding patients and families through inevitable loss, and our attitude towards death can significantly influence their healing process, acceptance, and peace. Ultimately, I believe that embracing life’s brevity and trusting in divine wisdom allows us to find meaning and purpose in both our work and our personal lives.
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