Prayer and patient care.

Indinavir · Nov 17, 2007

:balloons:

Are nurses now a days still caring? We keep on emphasizing " Holistic Care." But how far have we extended holistic care to our patients. Are we aware of what are the components of holistic care?

It is quite alarming seeing nurses spent most of their time attending to what is called " Routine works." In so many instances, nurses have neglected to be become more humane and sensitive to the needs of their patients.

We are good in responding to the physical and environmental needs of our patients, at the same time, very commendable in carrying out and completing physician's orders. However, are we also good in responding to the spiritual needs of our clients? Have you tried praying with your clients?

Think??? Are you sound guilty of this (Spiritual Care!!!)???

Try to recall instances where your clients need you to uplift their spirits.

Have you prayed with the client before you transport him or her to the operating room? If Yes, You are one of the instrument why your client have recovered very quickly.

Have you prayed with a client who is dying? If Yes, You become an instrument in opening the doors of heaven for him or her.

These were just a very common situation in the life of our patients' journey, that they need YOU to be one with them in PRAYER.

Differences in religion should not become a factor to hinder as nurses in providing spiritual care to our patients.

If you have not done it yet, Start it now! We are " ANGELS in the Sickroom", Right?

flightnurse2b, LPN · Nov 17, 2007

:balloons:
Are nurses now a days still caring? We keep on emphasizing " Holistic Care." But how far have we extended holistic care to our patients. Are we aware of what are the components of holistic care?
It is quite alarming seeing nurses spent most of their time attending to what is called " Routine works." In so many instances, nurses have neglected to be become more humane and sensitive to the needs of their patients.
We are good in responding to the physical and environmental needs of our patients, at the same time, very commendable in carrying out and completing physician's orders. However, are we also good in responding to the spiritual needs of our clients? Have you tried praying with your clients?
Think??? Are you sound guilty of this (Spiritual Care!!!)???
Try to recall instances where your clients need you to uplift their spirits.
Have you prayed with the client before you transport him or her to the operating room? If Yes, You are one of the instrument why your client have recovered very quickly.
Have you prayed with a client who is dying? If Yes, You become an instrument in opening the doors of heaven for him or her.
These were just a very common situation in the life of our patients' journey, that they need YOU to be one with them in PRAYER.
Differences in religion should not become a factor to hinder as nurses in providing spiritual care to our patients.
If you have not done it yet, Start it now! We are " ANGELS in the Sickroom", Right?

its not appropriate to impose your religion on a patient. if they ask you to pray with them, then ok. but otherwise, please keep religion out of it.

happydays352 · Nov 17, 2007

I will pray chant meditate light candles whatever, but I will do so at the request of my pt. Forcing my religion upon someone else is so wrong I don't even know what else to say.

Neveranurseagain, RN · Nov 17, 2007

I would be offended if a nurse wanted to pray with me. Keep religion out of nursing. If I refused to pray with you, I may not trust you as a caregiver as you may be judgemental against me. Call the hospital chaplin services if a pt. wants to pray. That's what they are there for.

You do not need to pray to open the doors to heaven....don't give a dying pt that impression.

Agnus · Nov 17, 2007

Even if I found your prayers offensive? Sorry individual religions do matter and do make a difference. Amazing as it may seem to you we do not all believe in the same god or a heavenly father. Some people would be offended to any sort or request posed to an unseen god named or not.

You do not know my god. you do not know if you are even allows to pray to my god. If you want a job in bringing spirituality to people go get ordained. You are not a spiritual care giver. You do not have the education nor insight to do this. You are a nurse.

ERRNTraveler, RN · Nov 17, 2007

I have prayed with family members when they have asked me to (meaning I just bow my head while they actually pray), and I have heard family members praying for me ("please bless the doctors & nurses..."), BUT I would NEVER approach a patient about prayer. If they request it, that's one thing, but to bring it up to a patient is inappropriate.

philosophical · Nov 17, 2007

And if a nurse wants to pray IN PRIVATE about a patient, I see no problem with that, but in America, it is very rude to force religion on a person.

DLS_PMHNP, MSN, RN, NP · Nov 17, 2007

It is much more appropriate to offer to call the Chaplain for these pts. I have done this before for pts who are terminal or are in pain and nothing else is working for them.

To impose personal beliefs on them is completely unacceptable and judgmental, IMHO.

nrsang97, BSN, RN · Nov 17, 2007

I will only pray with patients and family if they make the request. I would be offended if a nurse came to me determining that I needed to pray with him/her. Religion is such a touchy topic with people. If a patient wants to pray I will also call the hosptial chaplin since they are available 24/7. We always have one in house, and they make rounds once a shift. Our chaplins are there for a reason. I agree that approaching a pt about prayer is inappropriate.

Agnus · Nov 17, 2007

And if a nurse wants to pray IN PRIVATE about a patient, I see no problem with that, but in America, it is very rude to force religion on a person.

Amen! I wonder if it is not more than just rude since we do have a constitution granting freedom of religious choice.

Yes we American take our faith seriously as well. And we take seriously our national right to freedom from other people intruding on our religions.

Tweety, BSN, RN · Nov 17, 2007

It's a JCAHO mandate that hospitals address the spiritual nees of it's patients. Hopefully, nursing schools are teaching nursings role in this.

Fortunately where I work we have a Chaplain service on the day shift, but all shifts aren't so lucky and must address the needs by remaining focused on patient-centered. This certainly would include prayer if the patient asks. I'm not the one to pray with a patient, but I will definately find someone who will.

Agnus · Nov 17, 2007

tweety, granted spiritual needs are part of a holistic centered aproach.

It is fine that one believes these things and even prays (privately in her own prayers) for her patients if this is a part of her religion.

Simply because one is any other religion you can not assume you know what is appropriate for that person. There are a lot of variations in every religion not to mention individual variations.

I might be Catholic it does not mean I am even a believer or does not mean I might not be angery with God and not wish your saying the rosary in my ear.