Gut-Wrenching Feeling After Straight Cath-ing Patient

Hi all,

I have been a nurse for 5 years now and I had one of the most difficult experiences (emotionally speaking) in my career. As a male and as a nurse I have accepted that some tasks are necessary. I took care of a patient in her 60’s after experiencing a recent stroke. This is a recurrent thing for her and though her deficits are minor, she is experiencing urinary retention issues for this admission. I had to straight cath her during the night, but the event seemed traumatic for her. There is no history of abuse or anything of that nature, but she wailed during and for the next couple of hours after.

Her past history with strokes may explain her behavior, but I felt like shit for doing that to her. It also did not help that she was q1 hour neuro checks. I know it is a necessity of the job, but this felt awful. I am sure I am not alone though.