Sorry Comet, I disagree.

If you are working in an emergency environment then yes you may have a point. The status of the patient and of the machinery which is aiding the patient is paramount. When life hangs on sheer technical skill and knowledge there is no room for emotional involvement.

However, I think there is a degree of emotional involvement required in certain circumstances. I’ve seen nurses working in Hospices who are technically brilliant at their jobs, empty the catheter, change a colostomy bag etc etc and then go and sit at the nurse’s station while other patients want someone to talk to because they are scared, or lonely, or just can’t come to terms with their situation? It is then that emotional involvement ensures that you do a good job. I remember an old lady with no family who was into her last few hours, she was on the verge of death. She was terrified of being alone when she died. I stayed with her because no one on the next shift would sit with her. Knowing that I made those last few hours a little more bearable means more than any cardiac arrest I was involved in.

I don’t think we’ll ever agree on this one.

Regards,

kev35