I work in a Catholic tertiary hospital, and I am into taking care of elderly patients.
Many of them are too anxious over many bedside procedures like anticipated shot of fleet enema, change of NGT, or even just when their MD's are about to make rounds. They tremble, they cry in some sort of panic, and they worry a lot, too afraid of many many things including thoughts of death and separation from love ones. I guess, their fears make them really fragile and more challenging to care for. I understand how much they need compassion and extra gestures of sincerity and love.
As a nurse with responsibilities for 30 other patients in my shoulders, I just can do so much. I wish I can stay longer by their side to comfort them or to just hold their hands to listen and say nothing.
Recently, I discovered an intervention that is really helpful in calming my bothered, nervous patients: I give them rosaries. Praying the rosary even made them sleep better, gave them something to draw strength and courage from, and I observed my patients would tend to forget names of their doctors but not mine.
I feel rewarded by just the thought that they appreciate me as a nurse. How I always want to go to work! How I always love being a nurse!
-Tatara
P.S: i hope my observations can be supported by research. :chuckle
Wonderful post! My future goal when I become an RN I hope to work at one of the Mercy Hospitals or other Catholic hospitals in the country. Yes, I am also a Catholic and was raised so. The power of the Rosary and the Virgin Mary is awesome! I can also tell you first hand being a patient several times in the hospital that having one of the nuns visit you is very comforting.
Specializes in LTC- as CNA, L&D, Current- Oncology.
I'm Catholic too. I always pray to St. Anthony til this day whenever I lose anything I've made a deal with him that when I get to heaven I'll help him find everyone elses crap if he just helps me find mine! hehe
I am not religious myself, although I believe in God so I understand where everyone is coming from in this discussion. But I think it is important to point out that not everyone is Christian or believes in God. Some may actually be offended by the whole topic. Best to assess the person's beliefs before making assumptions, or risk alienating them.
I am not religious myself, although I believe in God so I understand where everyone is coming from in this discussion. But I think it is important to point out that not everyone is Christian or believes in God. Some may actually be offended by the whole topic. Best to assess the person's beliefs before making assumptions, or risk alienating them.
Ok...everyone is entitled to an opinion. But, after reading the topic of the thread and first line of the post wouldn't you just "skip" the thread and move on to the next? I'm sure the nurse is confirming the Pts. beliefs before offering a Rosary.
Ok...everyone is entitled to an opinion. But, after reading the topic of the thread and first line of the post wouldn't you just "skip" the thread and move on to the next? I'm sure the nurse is confirming the Pts. beliefs before offering a Rosary.
Not everyone who is a patient in a catholic hospital is a catholic. I have been a patient in a catholic hospital before, and I am Jewish. I think that poster made a very good point about assessing a persons religious beliefs and needs prior to offering a rosary. Should i have not read this thread because I am a Jew? What you are saying makes no sense to me.
Ok...everyone is entitled to an opinion. But, after reading the topic of the thread and first line of the post wouldn't you just "skip" the thread and move on to the next?
These are nursing discussions for ALL nurses - nurses who are not Catholic, or Christian, also have a right to participate in the discussion. I would think as nurses we would welcome other perspectives so we can improve our care to all patients.
Specializes in psychiatric nursing, med/surg adult care.
Here is an example how our catholic hospital respects the spirituality of patients: Upon receiving a call for admission of a Muslim patient from the ER, the receiving staff nurse is to remove the crucifix and the bible from the room as part of preparation for the said in-coming admission.
Nurses care, and caring entails respect and understanding the individuality of each clients.
I've made a deal with him that when I get to heaven I'll help him find everyone elses crap if he just helps me find mine! hehe
Ok...everyone is entitled to an opinion. But, after reading the topic of the thread and first line of the post wouldn't you just "skip" the thread and move on to the next? I'm sure the nurse is confirming the Pts. beliefs before offering a Rosary.
topher-67
85 Posts
Wonderful post! My future goal when I become an RN I hope to work at one of the Mercy Hospitals or other Catholic hospitals in the country. Yes, I am also a Catholic and was raised so. The power of the Rosary and the Virgin Mary is awesome! I can also tell you first hand being a patient several times in the hospital that having one of the nuns visit you is very comforting.