On the receiving end: experiences of being a relative in critical care. Part 1.

Abstract

This is the first of a series of three papers, presenting in her own words the experiences of Jane, an intensive care staff nurse, when her husband was admitted to her own intensive care unit. In part one, Jane describes her husband's admission to the accident and emergency department, the intensive care unit and subsequent transfer to a regional neurological unit. Jane gives a powerful and often very moving account of her experiences as a relative on the receiving end of critical care. There are many aspects of her husband's nursing and medical care, with which Jane remains dissatisfied. Some of these issues are discussed through professional commentaries, which are offered in the latter part of the paper.