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2021 NURS 502 Christian Worldview DB 3
Hi Mary,
I really enjoyed your post and want to address the question you posed regarding Christian
worldview of “where did we come from and why are we here”. The first part of that question is
well answered by Shelly and Miller. During the plague of the third century, Christians were
found to be the ones to offer help, feeding the sick and hungry and even providing humanity to
the dead by dressing and burying them appropriately and with respect (Shelly & Miller, 2006).
The second portion of that question addressing why nursing is here seems easily understood
because as Christian nurses we follow the call and example of Jesus who cared for the sick and
the poor. For me, nursing and being a Christian easily go hand in hand. I was disheartened to
read your experience of being questioned by your coworkers when you went out of your way to
find a priest for your patient before she underwent a procedure. Part of being a nurse is to
understand a patient’s culture and religion. We must care for the entire patient, and this includes
their spirit. Research does suggest that nurses, especially in your experience with this patient,
may need further education with how to help their patients beyond their physical ailment and
understand a patient’s spiritual belief has a big impact regarding their health, wellbeing and in
the case of your patient a peace that passes all understanding when she took her last breath
(Herlianita et al., 2018).
I encourage you to continue being who you are, even through the questioning from peers. Your
patients will always benefit from you being the hands and feet of Jesus.
References
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Herlianita, R., Yen, M., Chen, C.-H., Fetzer, S. J., & Lin, E.-L. (2018). Perception of spirituality
and spiritual care among muslim nurses in indonesia. Journal of Religion and Health,
57(2), 762–773. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10943-017-0437-6
Shelly, J. A., & Miller, A. B. (2006). Called to care: A christian worldview for nursing (2nd ed.).
IVP Academic.
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