been offered a job on a childrens oncology ward

[zzxxee]

I am chuffed but really need to prepare myself for the fact some of these children will in fact sadly pass on. I really want to take this job but i know it will be emotionally difficult when some of these children eventually pass on . What would you do to best mentally prepare yourself ?

[askyourgran]

I would have to be cheerful and try to act normally with the children. To remember that they all have loving parents and your job is to make them comfortable and happy. It is a job I couldn't do, if a small child was terminally ill I wouldn't be able to contain my tears.

[anneasquith]

congratulation, you will be a member of a large team and support each other, the rate of successfully treated childrens carcinoma is improving each day........stay positive.

[micmak]

I don't think you can zzxxee. Do your best for them stay cheerful and happy, but do your weeping alone. I hope you will have good family support. It's a sad fact of life. Unfortunatly it seems far worse when it is children. I often ask myself what sort of god makes a child suffer like this.

[mazie]

I think I would make every day magical. No-one knows when their last day is going to be, so just make everyday fun....It's going to happen (unfortunately) so why not do it with a big smile and a hug.

ps... I would be a wreck but would feel privileged. Good luck with your decision zzxxee

xxx

[sara3]

congrats to you, zzxxee :o)

I can't offer any advice as I know I couldn't do it myself, but congrats and all the best x

[zzxxee]

thanks all i think i will just do the take each day as it comes approach

[mike11111]

A very difficult job to do well without giving away one's own feelings. To my mind the death of anyone, be he 8 or 80, is equally sad. Being able to carry on for the sake of those who are still living and not communicate by sign or word your own feelings demands skills which would be beyond me.

[zzxxee]

i have been a care assistant working in elderly care homes and have been used to elderly residents passing on.
But i think the death of a child will be more emotionally challanging

[MickyMacgraw]

Yes it's going to be hard and yes there will be tears and upset, but ask yourself are you right for this? Are you loving and caring? Can you make a difference to the childrens lives whilst they are still here with us? If you answered yes and then you truly are the best person for the job so get in there and make a difference.

[zzxxee]

thanks micky :0) x

[MickyMacgraw]

:)

[woofgang]

Is there any kind of support network at work? I used to try not to take the really heartrending stuff home (old people who were ill and in desperate circs sometimes with no family often with family who didn't give a rat's) I used to try not to take the sad stuff home, for me the best thing was to leave it at work and not involve my family...and of course the confidentiality issues.
I wish you well with your new job, its hard and valuable work.

[Bobbisox]

well done zeee, I think you are a very compassionate young lady who will do well at this kind of job

[mazie]

You'll be great. If it's going to happen it's best that someone is there that really cares and can make a diference, you will. xx

[zzxxee]

thank you all xx

[marie26]

I think that you will discover that the children you will be caring for will be some of the most up front ballsiest children that you will ever meet. They will also be the children who live life to the fullest every day, despite the few bad days of chemo or other treatment. You will have a steep learning curve in bravery, and in doing so will learn lots about yourself.

[dotty.]

I think you would probably need to avoid becoming emotionally attached to every child and focus on their practical and medical needs, then do your 100% best for every one without your heart breaking and guilt haunting you every time a miracle doesn;t happen, you need to be tougher with yourself than you've ever ever been,

[Barmaid]

zzxxee I can't imagine how you would mentally prepare yourself for that. However what I know of you in terms of the natural compassion you have I think you will do a great job.

Congratulations on being offered such a privileged position.

[ttfn]

Hi zzxxee - well done to you. In the past I have had to do some pretty difficult tasks in my work - the sort that no-one else wanted to do. To get through them I just kept telling myself that nobody could have done them better than I and it has helped. Not sure there is a lot you can do to prepare yourself. I remember when my cousin was ordained and conducted his first funeral - he was in tears alongside the family mourners. I think what really will matter for you is helping the children as much as you possibly can - I am sure you will do that admirably well. Good for you ♥

[Sqad]

Well,,,,the first question is.........are you right for the job if you are looking for tips on AB?
Maybe you are and maybe you aren´t.....time will tell.
Remember you will be no good whatsoever to anyone if after the death of a child, you are useless to the rest of your patients who need you help. Children die, so just get over it and get on with treating the next one as that is your job...."blubbering" and taking time off with emotional stress will not be helpful.

The greatest problem will be the test of your religious faith (if you have one).....what sort of God would let this happen to a child.

Your job is very important, good luck and remember that tomorrow is another day and another child that will need you.