A Nurse Who Prays For You

Trauma Columnist · Aug 4, 2015

Moved to Nursing and Spirituality

jadelpn, LPN, EMT-B · Aug 5, 2015

Remember that there are a whole lot of different religious views, beliefs and customs in this world, and in the nursing world.

The 2 need to be separate.

Nursing and religious views are two totally separate things, and should be. While imposing your prayers/views on a patient, you really could be offending their viewpoints.

heron, ASN, RN · Aug 5, 2015

Me - I'll take a good prayer any way I can get it.

I didn't get that the OP was proposing this as anything more than a private meditation for nurses who resonate with that kind of thing. Can't do them any harm and might do them good.

"Them" being the praying nurses. Those being prayed for don't need to be involved unless they want to be.

I imagine praying for patients and coworkers one dislikes could be quite free-ing, even transformative.

nursebri15 · Aug 5, 2015

Remember that there are a whole lot of different religious views, beliefs and customs in this world, and in the nursing world.
The 2 need to be separate.
Nursing and religious views are two totally separate things, and should be. While imposing your prayers/views on a patient, you really could be offending their viewpoints.

That was not my intent in the slightest. If you read it, my poem suggested it was inspired by a real patient. It was. She asked me to pray for her & it really made me think. I do not impose those views on my patients. That is not patient centered care. I do pray for my patients though but I do not impose my faith in others.

macawake, MSN · Aug 5, 2015

I've been known to voice my displeasure when posters claim that their belief in God makes them a superior nurse, compared to us "heathens" or think it's acceptable to proselytize at work. I didn't see any of that in your post, OP.

In nursing, I find love, I find meaning, I find old souls to touch my life everyday,
If only for a short while...
You are the reason I work, the reason I smile...

I was actually touched by what you wrote. You sound like a dedicated nurse who finds joy in her work and life. I'm sure that your attitude and caring is appreciated by the geriatric patients under your care.

allnurses Guide · Aug 5, 2015

I think your poem is very sweet and sincere. It sounds like you're sharing the words and things you think about while in private moments, that otherwise would not be shared with anyone. You also didn't express the thought that others must or should do the same. I really appreciate that.

allnurses Guide · Aug 8, 2015

Remember that there are a whole lot of different religious views, beliefs and customs in this world, and in the nursing world.
The 2 need to be separate.
Nursing and religious views are two totally separate things, and should be. While imposing your prayers/views on a patient, you really could be offending their viewpoints.

Not True. While religion for some reasons seems to set of a forest fire of debates - the actual foundation of nursing in antiquity comes directly from religious orders, Christian, Buddhist, Muslim etc.... All have as part of their foundation traditions of caring for the sick and infirm.

Part of nursing is treating the whole person so respecting their religious POV can be essential to their recovery. Even atheism is a religion in it's own right. I found the poem touching. I am a Christian but most recently learned that many of our nursing tradition came out of the Muslim world between 700-900 ad.

I do what is in the best interests of the patient when it comes to religion. I never volunteer to pray for or with someone but if they should ask I have no problem with it.

I will post up my scholarly references in proper APA style as soon as I open up my other computer.

Hppy

Hppygr8ful

macawake, MSN · Aug 9, 2015

Part of nursing is treating the whole person so respecting their religious POV can be essential to their recovery.

Of course. Respecting the patient's religious (and other) beliefs is a part of nursing.

I assume that jadelpn meant that nurses as a general rule should be careful not to impose their own views on the patient, not that we shouldn't respect the patient's views and beliefs.

I think the OP has handled that part just fine. As I said in my previous post, I was touched by her words and I don't think that she did anything that violated nursing ethics.

I wasn't even going to comment as I don't wish to derail a nice thread, but I can't/won't ignore the following statement as I find it completely inaccurate.

Even atheism is a religion in it's own right.

No, it really isn't.

To borrow a few quotes:

"If atheism is a religion then bald is a hair color".

"Atheism is a religion the same way as "off" is a television channel".

"Atheism is a religion like not collecting stamps is a hobby".

Atheists do not have a "holy book". Atheism isn't a means of understanding our existence and certainly has no clearly defined rules. Atheism is simply a lack/absence of belief in God or Gods and supernatural beings.

heron, ASN, RN · Aug 9, 2015

I still think that comments about imposing one's personal religious views on others, while true, are irrelevant in this particular discussion. I saw no mention in the OP of praying with or over a patient or co-worker.

GrumpyRN, NP · Aug 9, 2015

I wasn't even going to comment as I don't wish to derail a nice thread, but I can't/won't ignore the following statement as I find it completely inaccurate.
Even atheism is a religion in it's own right.
No, it really isn't.
To borrow a few quotes:
"If atheism is a religion then bald is a hair color".
"Atheism is a religion the same way as "off" is a television channel".
"Atheism is a religion like not collecting stamps is a hobby".
Atheists do not have a "holy book". Atheism isn't a means of understanding our existence and certainly has no clearly defined rules. Atheism is simply a lack/absence of belief in God or Gods and supernatural beings.

Thank you macawake, I saw nothing wrong or contentious in the OP. Saw no reason to comment but along came the "atheism is a religion" BS and felt I had to comment. You however did it in less inflammatory language than I would have used.

brandy1017, ASN, RN · Aug 19, 2015

What a beautiful tender poetic prayer to remind us what a special treasure our patients are. I too have a heart for the elderly, the grandma's and grandpa's and want to give them loving care. Thank you for the beautiful poem to remind and inspire us as we care for our patients on their life's journey.