Who: Sigrun & Nina Where: One of the local hospitals What: comforting terminal patients When: Morning? Rating: S for Sad and mentions of you know, terminal patients Status: Complete
Nina was working on the terminal ward that week which meant she got to catch up with the patients. The one downside of doing relief work was that she could be called in to the ER instead of her normal wards and that meant disruption for her patients which was something she tried to avoid.
But they were always happy to see her and she was happy to give them her time, even if it meant finishing her shift late or starting early. Stopping at the nurses station she collected the charts she needed and stood looking them over.
Sigrun had arrived on the terminal ward to do her weekly run to comfort those just about to die. It was a role she'd taken on in the marines. Now she did that still but on stateside she volunteered at the hospital.
She was striking in both height and looks and she looked rather out of place. She was in her military uniform. She found it helped some people feel better.
Somehow Nina’s shifts had never coincided with the woman in the military clothing so, not knowing any different, she smiled as she asked, “Can I help you? Are you looking for someone?”
Sigrun smiled. "I am here for my volunteer shift." She spoke softly, a contrast to her whole look. "I come sit with those who are ready. " there was a softness to that statement. Like she genuinely cared about people. She didn't as such (she cared about people but there was a bit of detachment at the same time ) but she knew she helped those ready to die and would do what she could.
“Oh, I’m sorry” Nina smiled in apology, “I didn’t realise. I’m Nina” she held out her hand, “I come in to cover shifts when I’m needed” she explained. Now Nina truly did care about her patients, she had a huge heart and was very compassionate - it was part of what made her a great nurse.
She took the hand that was offered, her grip was firm and obviously military trained. She just couldn’t shake that, it was stuck in her habits. “I am Sigrun.” she smiled faintly. “Don’t worry about apologising, you just haven’t been around when I’ve come in. How could you know?” she nodded.
“Pleased to meet you” Nina said before smiling with a shrug, “I usually know what goes on around this ward, I’ve just been stuck in the ER a lot lately” she admitted, “Not that I don’t enjoy it but I like to try and give the patients some stability in their final days”
Sigrun nodded. “I can understand that. This is not the best place to spend one’s final days. But it is better than the sands of Afghanistan, that’s for sure.” she smiled, although it was a bit sadly. “I just hope I can help a few people today feel a little better.” she looked at her and nodded. “So who needs company today?”
“Were you out there for long?” Nina asked before realising what she had said, “Sorry if you don’t want to talk about it. Please just tell me to keep my nose out” she added quickly as she looked through her notes to see who Sigrun could keep company.
Sigrun just gave her a patient smile. “Unlike many I do not mind. I mean, there are things I won’t talk about. But generally speaking I’ve spent since I was 19 overseas in some capacity. I’m with the Marines in their Military Police, so I get sent where the atrocities occur.” she smiled faintly. “Do not worry about it. I just can’t give details, obviously.”
“Of course” Nina nodded, she had the utmost respect for people who risked their lives for their country even if she didn’t always agree with the government's reasons for sending people over there in the first place. “Thank you” she added with a small smile before looking back at the files, “Oh” Nina said sadly, “Mrs Atkins had a bad night” Mrs Atkins was an eighty year old woman with terminal cancer who now had a DNR stamp in her file.
"I find it easier to talk about it than bottle it up. People don't need to understand but it helps me not go crazy. " even Sigrun didn't like half the reasons they got sent somewhere but it never stopped her from doing the best job she could. "Oh that's too bad. She's a lively old lady. Some of the best stories. Then I guess she'll be who I visit today. "
“It’s healthier to talk, so even if it’s just for you it’s good that you feel you can” Nina said, knowing first hand how bottling up traumatic events really didn’t help. “Thank you. I know she appreciates it, we’re the only visitors she has” Nina tried not to hold it against the woman’s daughter but even if she did find it ‘too hard’ to visit as she claimed, it was nothing compared to what Dorothy Atkins was going through.
"It really is. I feel bad for some of these people. They have no one willing to spend time with them. Its sad. " She shook her head and smiled. "I can try to do what I can. "
“That’s all you can do” Nina replied, “And it’s very much appreciated by the staff here as well as the patients” she added sincerely.
"Thank you Nina. " She smiled as she looked towards Mrs Atkins' room. "I guess we should go say hello. Two of her favorite people in one day."
Nina nodded, “We should” she agreed, “Let’s hope it’ll raise her spirits a little” she said before she led the way into the room.
Sigrun followed her and smiled at Mrs Atkins. "Well hello there. " She smiled warmly at the woman. It made her hope if her family ever got this sick and she couldn't be there someone would.
Nina followed her in and smiled at Mrs Atkins, who looked pleased to see the both of them. She checked her notes against the file on the end of the bed - telling her patient what she was doing in between Sigrun making conversation. She always thought it was important to keep the people she looked after involved in their treatment, it gave them a sense of control over their illness.
Sigrun settled down next to the old woman and smiled gently. “Tell me a tale, Mrs. Atkins.” she didn’t think the woman had too much time left, not really anyways. But she wanted to let the woman talk and enjoy her time. Take her away, mentally, from the hospital.
Nina smiled as she watched Mrs Atkins begin to tell Sigrun a story, as quietly as she could she left them in order to finish her rounds. She’d return once she’d finish to check on them and see if the old lady needed any increase in her pain medication.
Sigrun was quiet when Nina came back in. She looked up at the woman with a quiet smile, a little sad looking. She looked down to the woman and back up to Nina. Her voice was soft. “I think it’s the last story she wanted to tell, I don’t think she will make it through the night.” Mrs. Atkins was sleeping again, although it was more peaceful than any sleep she’s had in weeks.
Nina gave her a similar sad smile in return and nodded, “Thank you for sitting with her and listening to her story” she said, looking at the woman and after checking her medication she sighed and tucked the blanket around her closer - careful not to disturb her though.
“Of course. I’ll stay until the end for her, she deserves someone here, you know?” she said quietly, her fingers gently patted the woman’s hand. “I’d feel bad if I left her with that feeling and she went alone or with someone she didn’t know very well.”
“I’ll be around if you need me” Nina told her, a hand on her shoulder for a moment, “Shall I bring you something to eat and a coffee when I have my break in an hour or so?”
Sigrun smiled at the woman. “Thank you.” then nodded slightly. “Coffee and whatever you could scrounge up would be most welcomed. Thank you.” she smiled at Nina then settled in to wait with Mrs. Atkins. The old woman had been a story teller in life, and now Sigrun was here to be with her as the book was closed. Sigrun much preferred to sit with those here, than those in the desert or on a distant battlefield who are panicking, bleeding out and making it worse on themselves, here things were calmer.