Nursing, is it god's work?

Nurses General Nursing

Published

The original poster is someone who doesfeel that it was a calling. I am asking that those who do NOT share the original posters sentiments please walk away from this thread and NOT use it as a forum to debate the issue.

This is not a new topic for debate, please, if you want to debate it start a new thread (or better yet, revive an old thread).

Ok here is a new thread.. read this..http://www.atheists.org/

Yes, I believe that nursing is a spiritual calling (in some ways)! And if you don't want this thread debated, why did you post it in the "discussion" forum?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Specializes in L/D, newborn, GYN, LTC, Dialysis.

I think Christians (and other believers or non-believers) can enter a profession or calling without standing on ceremony. THOSE folk have my respect. And the only "calling" I had was to a career with earning potential, independence for me incase something happened to my husband, and a good growth outlook for the next 20-30 years.--------plus, it sure does not hurt, I happen to like people and healing to me is an art I enjoy practicing. And I DO consider myself a Christian (Episcopal actually).

I am sure as heck NOT Florence Nightingale and my intentions were no where near as noble as that. So sue me?

Anyhoooo, I say when you post something like that on a open forum in the way it was done, you open yourself up for debate. I dont' think my replies were nasty I am sorry, but I just hate when someone stands on a soapbox the way that was done. If I am wrong, ok, go ahead and debate it. I won't tell other posters what they may say or feel on this board. I know better. And I won't debate atheism or agnosticism either. Thank you.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Specializes in L/D, newborn, GYN, LTC, Dialysis.

I forgot one thought:

I see many called to heal without monetary compensation of any sort------

There are several people I know (and many, many others I do not)---- who travel to Africa or the Phillipines or somewhere like that to minister to those who have NO access to care otherwise. To me THAT is a calling!!!! JMO......

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in MICU, neuro, orthotrauma.

As long as you do good in this world, I don't think it matters if you have received some "message" or "calling" to do this work. Just do it well and with as much love and empathy as you can muster.

For those of you who have faith in your God, I applaud you. For those of you who find strength within the self, I applaud you.

As long as you aren't hurting anybody!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Hello all,

I just now saw all the posts on what I wrote and ask forgiveness of those that were offended. That was not my intention. I am also very gratefull that I live in a country where freedom of speech is encouraged even though we disagree most times, otherwise we would never be able to make up our own minds on what it is we believe. I was an athiest at one time and understand your point of view.

Thanks for all your responses!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Nurse Nevada . . .I wasn't offended. Just saw your post as a lovely way to think about nursing, if you so choose. Not something you were jamming down anyone's throat.

The problem is, as Rusty put it so well, mention anything at all religious and then stand back and take your chances.

The old prohibition against mentioning politics and religion at the dinner table has validity . .. . however, I love debate and how boring would life be if we couldn't discuss anything controversial.

Keep posting.

steph

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I agree, keep on posting.

Instead of having been "called", I look at it as whether something is "you", whether it's a good "fit" or not. Either you're put together a certain way or you're not. I went into college thinking I could be an electrical engineer. After three years (not wanting to quit just because I didn't like it at first), I finally admitted to myself that I am NOT an engineer. I'm just not put together that way. There ARE people who are "wired" that way, and I say, "More power to them!" They're excatly where they need to be.

I've been in the computer field for nine years, and although I can do my job, I'm not happy. I've been looking into nursing to see if it's a better "fit". That's all.

To me, it's just a different way of saying that you were "called". We need people who have been "called" to all KINDS of positions. Bring any kind of religous aspect into it, and you just open up a can of worms. That being said, I do think nursing is over-romanticized at times, especially in the post that started the original thread. But some people like/need that, I guess.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Specializes in L/D, newborn, GYN, LTC, Dialysis.

I guess to some, when we are told we should be "called" to nursing (or any other profession)---and DO NOT FEEL that way, then it's almost like we should feel badly about it. No you did not SAY we SHOULD feel called in so many words, but so many call nursing a "calling" like priesthood or something else. I can't see it that way at all! It's a profession, a viable career choice, my independence--- to me. No more, no less. I love nursing but dont' LIVE to do it. For some, this attitude conveys a message like we ought to all be Florence Nightingale or Mother Theresa---called to this duty. My reasons were NOT altruistic or noble and I feel like TRUE altruism is exhibited when we do for others without expectation of recognition or monetary/material compensation. I feel I make a really good nurse, despite never, ever hearing the Lord or anyone "calling" me to do this.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in MICU, neuro, orthotrauma.
Originally posted by SmilingBluEyes

I guess to some, when we are told we should be "called" to nursing (or any other profession)---and DO NOT FEEL that way, then it's almost like we should feel badly about it. No you did not SAY we SHOULD feel called in so many words, but so many call nursing a "calling" like priesthood or something else. I can't see it that way at all! It's a profession, a viable career choice, my independence--- to me. No more, no less. I love nursing but dont' LIVE to do it. For some, this attitude conveys a message like we ought to all be Florence Nightingale or Mother Theresa---called to this duty. My reasons were NOT altruistic or noble and I feel like TRUE altruism is exhibited when we do for others without expectation of recognition or monetary/material compensation. I feel I make a really good nurse, despite never, ever hearing the Lord or anyone "calling" me to do this.

I think the way you have expressed this is probably the reason some people get offended when people talk of being called into the work of nursing (or any other profession). If there is elitism intended, I am not picking up on it, and usually I am rather sensitive to elitism. What I see, feel, experience from those who believe in Christianity and being called into God's work, is a deep sense of personal commitment to do the right thing. I don't see them pointing fingers at me or anyone else (but I may be blind to it).. I just see them expressing their joy.

The day soemone says to me that I shouldn;t be in nursing because God hasn;t called to me, is the day that someone is going to get an earful! Until then, I think it's all good. :D

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Originally posted by geekgolightly

I think the way you have expressed this is probably the reason some people get offended when people talk of being called into the work of nursing (or any other profession). If there is elitism intended, I am not picking up on it, and usually I am rather sensitive to elitism. What I see, feel, experience from those who believe in Christianity and being called into God's work, is a deep sense of personal commitment to do the right thing. I don't see them pointing fingers at me or anyone else (but I may be blind to it).. I just see them expressing their joy.

The day soemone says to me that I shouldn;t be in nursing because God hasn;t called to me, is the day that someone is going to get an earful! Until then, I think it's all good. :D

Good point . . . . that is how I felt about the original post. Didn't perceive any finger-pointing. Just a joyful expression of one person's experience.

steph

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in 5 yrs OR, ASU Pre-Op 2 yr. ER.
Originally posted by stevielynn

Good point . . . . that is how I felt about the original post. Didn't perceive any finger-pointing. Just a joyful expression of one person's experience.

steph

Exactly!!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Med-Surg, Trauma, Ortho, Neuro, Cardiac.

Nurse Nevada, your original post was posted so innocently that I as a nonbeliever wasn't offended. So much so I was worried about offending you and am so glad to hear from you and that you are talking it well and not getting overly defensive about.

Kind of like Deb, I rarely discuss religion, atheism, or agnostism. Well discuss perhaps, get in debates, no. People have their beliefs based on a lifetime of learning. Some change, some never will. It's not up to me to do it. I get just as angry at non-spiritual people and how they shove their nonbelief down Christians throats as I do the other way around. (I think Deb set the example of how to disagree with respect, as well as others, but she is the most recent in this thread to do so.)

Now you know, to post such a personal belief in a "discussion" board, not a spiritual board, leaves one wide open to discussion and debate.

I thought it was going well and am sorry it was closed.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment