Has being a nurse made you examine your own spirituality?

Dalzac, LPN, LVN, RN · Jan 25, 2008

Absolutely! I worked in ICU-CCU nearly all of my career. I found That sometimes I turned the care of the really sick patients I had over to the care of something greeater than me. I knew that I had given the pt. every ounce of knowledge I had in me and that there was nothing else I could do. I would say a little prayer tell God it was up to him now. There were many times the pt. would just get better and I knew it wasn't me that did it. I also learned that death was a very spiritual thing as well. And the way it helped me was I learned not to fear death. It happens to every single soul on this planet.

nyapa, RN · Jan 25, 2008

Dalzac, I have found myself saying little prayers too. But as I work with a diverse cultural community, I have had to accept that other ppl view God differently.

fronkey bean · Jan 25, 2008

I think it is very natural when faced w/ life and death situations and situations involving pain and suffering to begin to question the ultimate meaning of life and what your beliefs about what happens after death are. We deal w/ pain and loss on a daily basis unlike most other people who can ignore the topic except for the few times in their lives when it actually touches a loved one or close friend. If we didn't develop ways of coping the emotional drain would wear us down to nothing. Faith isn't the only way to cope but it can be a good and effective one.

Tait, MSN, RN · Jan 25, 2008

I have always been one who skirted the edge of religion, never committing. I am also a very science minded person, which generally kept me out of the temple, chapel, synagogue, what have you.

I believe that nursing has reinforced the scientific side of me, making even more connections between body and dysfunction, leading me further from religion. I value religion in the part it plays in helping comfort my patients. However this knowledge has made me realize that tenderness and compassion is necessary as a nurse because we really are the ones here to look out for each other.

Not trying to start a flame war, just stating that I deeply respect religion and the power of its comfort, however I am one who has not swung closer to it because of my career.

Tait

nrsang97, BSN, RN · Jan 25, 2008

I have always been one who skirted the edge of religion, never committing. I am also a very science minded person, which generally kept me out of the temple, chapel, synagogue, what have you.
I believe that nursing has reinforced the scientific side of me, making even more connections between body and dysfunction, leading me further from religion. I value religion in the part it plays in helping comfort my patients. However this knowledge has made me realize that tenderness and compassion is necessary as a nurse because we really are the ones here to look out for each other.
Not trying to start a flame war, just stating that I deeply respect religion and the power of its comfort, however I am one who has not swung closer to it because of my career.
Tait

I feel the exact same way. I however am not religious, but will encourage my patients to utilize pastoral care. I realize that for some their faith is a huge source of comfort.

Kurious RN · Jan 25, 2008

If you are not a spiritual person I encourage you to watch a show in the Discovery channel called "A Haunting".

How can Science explain what happens to this people?

mianders, RN · Jan 25, 2008

It has reinforced my faith. I have seen miracles that can be attributed to nothing but devine intervention. I have seen patients smile at deaths door because of their own faith. There are times when we wonder why God does not intervene but I have also learned to except that there is a time to live and a time to die. For me personally and for many of my patients the transition will be easier because of the faith that there is something better waiting for us.

RN1989 · Jan 25, 2008

Nursing has nothing to do with my spirituality. My friendship with God is based on my need to have Him available to help me in all aspects of my life, not just caring for patients. I have seen more occurences that could be miracles occur in my life outside of nursing than what I have seen at work.

TigerGalLE, BSN, RN · Jan 25, 2008

I have learned that there are much worse things in life than death.

lorilou22RN · Jan 25, 2008

Definately. I am not a regular church goer, work too many Sundays when not football season! Yet I truly believe in God, and his many miracles in life. Perhaps one of the hardest things to deal with and deal with well is letting go, and when enuff is enuff (medical intervention). I know that there is a time for birth, life, and eventually death. unfortunately, some families can't let go, and that is when we all have to help them facilitate this understanding. It is difficult for a new grad to be comfortable with this, but it does come with time. Death with dignity is a part of nursing care, tho this sometimes has to be approached very delicately with families. On a different note, if I have a patient who is a DNR, Code 3. I really try to be there when they die, especially if family has left (this happens frequently, and I really have a problem with this), I hate the thought of someone dying alone.

pagandeva2000, LPN · Jan 25, 2008

I think that I would say that being a nurse strengthened my spirituality. I have had issues with death as well over the years, but I am solid in what I believe spiritually. I think that I am seeing more proof of why I should continue to believe as I do.

I have learned that life and health is not promised, and to better appreciate the blessings I currently have. I can't stress myself over trying to be someone that I am not, and doing things that clearly do not make me happy. Nor, will I waste my time trying to control others. I tend to be protective of my loved ones and friends, and when I see them making the same mistakes over and over again, I always try to guide them, but then, I realized that I was inadvertantly trying to get them to see things my way. My intentions may have been good, but we all have to learn at our own pace. What is good for me may not be for you. Somehow, I have learned not to be judgemental, and that also, I am an instrument being used by the Creator to help people, but there is a power bigger than me that is in control.