More realistic alternative to sentimental "Nurse's Creed?"

Published

In another thread, there was mention of a, "Nurse's Creed." We weren't sure what the poster was referring to, but someone did find the following:

"A Nurse's Creed"

Sometimes I forget…why I'm a Nurse and what's really in my HEART.

Sometimes I'm just too busy I don't know where to start.

Then someone holds my hand, and greets me with a smile.

They ask if I could stay with them for just a little while.

If I could calm a sorrowed heart just because I'm there.

Then I'm reminded...why I'm a Nurse. It's all because I CARE."

That one's okay , but it's a tad sentimental for my taste. I put together what I consider a more realistic alternative for today's nurse:

The Balanced Nurse's Creed

For some folks nursing is their life; they see it as a calling,

They've dreamt of Flo and her lighted lamp since back when they were crawling.

I care about my patients and I'm thankful for employment,

But my family, friends, and other interests also bring enjoyment,

When I'm at work my patients get the best I have to give,

When off the job I give my best to those with whom I live,

There's a finite number of hours each day to exercise my talents,

I'd burn out pretty quickly if I didn't look for balance,

If I call the shots correctly, when my working days are done,

Both my patients and my loved ones will tell me, “Job well done!”

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Addiction, Psych, Geri, Hospice, MedSurg.
:yeah::yeah::yeah::yeah:
Up Vote Up Vote ×

Does anyone know where the original, "Nurse's Creed," is from or who wrote it? I don't mean any disrespect for that version, just thought the reference to nurse's creed in another thread meant we're all supposed to heed the "calling," and put ourselves (and our families) last on the list.

The person who appeared to be thinking that way is welcome to live like that, but I don't choose to.

Anyway, I was just curious about the author of the above, "Creed."

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Emergency/Cath Lab.

Are you actually supposed to know that Creed?

I mean, I can still to this day recite the Boy Scouts oath, law, motto and slogan but couldnt even tell you the first word of the creed. This one is much better ha

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I can find a few creeds. Here's one by a student:

Nurse's Creed

Lord, let me begin today with your blessing

To provide care for those who need me.

Give me the patience to listen,

Intuition to see beyond the visible,

Knowledge to practice the art of nursing,

And the attitude to deliver care with humility.

Help me to see every patient clearly

Unbiased, and with individual respect.

Help me to face fear and anxiety

With kind words and a gentle touch.

Help me to see the joy and wonder each new day brings

And let your healing light shine through my hands.

—MICHELLE A. HAGGERTY, ADN

Student

But is there such a thing as "THE Nurse's Creed"?

Why is everything I'm finding so sappy?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Peds Hem, Onc, Med/Surg.

That first nursing creed sounds vaguely familiar. Like something I read in Chicken Soup for the Nursing Soul or something.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Peds Hem, Onc, Med/Surg.
i can find a few creeds. here's one by a student:

nurse's creed

lord, let me begin today with your blessing

to provide care for those who need me.

give me the patience to listen,

intuition to see beyond the visible,

knowledge to practice the art of nursing,

and the attitude to deliver care with humility.

help me to see every patient clearly

unbiased, and with individual respect.

help me to face fear and anxiety

with kind words and a gentle touch.

help me to see the joy and wonder each new day brings

and let your healing light shine through my hands.

—michelle a. haggerty, adn

student

but is there such a thing as "the nurse's creed"?

why is everything i'm finding so sappy?

i don't think there is such a thing as the nurse's creed.

and yeah all of them are sappy. i did like this line of the red cross creed:

wherever disaster calls there, i shall go. i ask not for whom, but only where i am needed.

http://denversnursingstar.com/newsletter/newsletter_view.asp?newsid=1130&catid=126&active=0&mode=current

but the rest was a bunch of oh its my duty as a human being to give my soul up to the nursing gods. :uhoh3:

even the army nurses creed was the same! but other than rn/writers creed, that is the best one i've read so far...

http://armynursecorps.amedd.army.mil/assets/home/nursingcreed.pdf

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I love the Army one too! I've seen some pretty cheeseball versions out there :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in MDS/ UR.

The Florence Nightingale Pledge

I solemnly pledge myself before God and in the presence of this assembly, to pass my life in purity and to practice my profession faithfully. I will abstain from whatever is deleterious and mischievous, and will not take or knowingly administer any harmful drug. I will do all in my power to maintain and elevate the standard of my profession, and will hold in confidence all personal matters committed to my keeping and all family affairs coming to my knowledge in the practice of my calling. With loyalty will I endeavor to aid the physician in his work, and devote myself to the welfare of those committed to my care.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in family practice.

Hmmm, there was one we did during our pinning ceremony. I cant even remember it. Maybe i would look for the event program

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Some employers prey upon those who believe the sappy sentiments when it comes time for contract negotiations. How dare we ask for decent money and other items when nursing should be a calling. Do nuns get all uppity and ask for more? No, they do their jobs for the sheer love of it all.

Bah!

Nursing is a great career, but I want the paycheck and the perks that ought to go with it. Fortunately, I have a good and reasonable employer that doesn't expect me to live on rainbows and unicorns.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Why is everything I'm finding so sappy?

[/left]

because that's who we are...

consisting of sugar and spice,

with a fine concoction of molasses and milk (= sappy;)).

kind of makes you want to 'run' from that image, yes?

Fortunately, I have a good and reasonable employer that doesn't expect me to live on rainbows and unicorns.

unicorns have to hurt, i would think (and feel!).;)

wonderful job of the new and improved, nurse's creed.

you should submit it.:redpinkhe

leslie

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion