Spirituality
Volume 16, Number 2 Spring 1999

Article Summaries

Editorial: Spirituality: The Soul's Deep Longing by Judith Allen Shelly

 

Sunday Shift: What Am I Doing Here? By Donna L. McNally with Kathy Widenhouse

This RN wasn't coping well with working on a Sunday, which meant being away from family and worship at her church, until she met a special patient. God used Mike to minister to her heart that he doesn't make mistakes.

Prayer for Help by Nancy Norris

A caregiver honestly shares her need for God in her work of loving and caring for patients.

Code 99 & the Cross by Jennifer Lee W. Grand

God used a heartbreaking incident of an abused, beaten child in the ER, who later died, to teach this ICU nurse about innocent, compassionate sacrifice. Easter will never be the same for her.

Work as Worship by Kamalini Kumar

Work and worship have become to this nurse like two blades of a scissors: one is useless without the other. She was challenged to show God's love in every facet of her life-to family members, colleagues and patients and their families. God is making a difference.

Beating the Elijah Syndrome by DeAnn L. Ambroson, Rhonda M. Fruhling & Paula S. Whannell

Comparing the stressors in a nurse's life and the normal emotional reactions to them with the life of Elijah, the biblical prophet, gives us ideas on learning to rest in the palm of his hand. One key is making time to regularly enter into his presence.

Spiritual Care: Assessment & Intervention by Linda L. Treloar

It is well accepted that patients appreciate caregivers who identify and meet their spiritual needs. Why, then, don't nurses give spiritual care given more often? Practical help is given by Treloar so that nurses can be ready to assess and intervene in this important part of holistic patient care.

Faith in God: Help for Partners in Pain by Jean C. Toth

The stress level and spiritual concerns of the family caregiver are reflected in those of the patient. The author has come up with an assessment tool to identify where partners of heart patients need spiritual support and who best provides it. Nurses are challenged to an increased role.

Miracles of Mercy by DeLila R. Chrisp

This ER nurse in a small, rural hospital usually is not too aware of God's involvement in her nursing duties. But this particular night, she sees God's hand working in a series of events surrounding a tragic auto accident in the middle of the night.

Nursing & Ministry by Donna F. Brooks

A nurse so loves the spiritual care side of her work that she becomes a minister. From her unique position, she challenges nurses to partner with the spiritual leaders who are important in patients' lives. Each has much to add to the ministry of the other.

Mentoring: Sharing Our Wisdom by Karen Schmidt

The encouragement of an experienced nurse can make the difference in whether a new RN stays in the profession or not. The mentoring process is examined, with examples of how you can make this your ministry.

Jesus, Our Mentoring Model by Mary Elizabeth Martucci

From the perspective of nursing faculty, Martucci examines the biblical model of mentoring. She challenges nurses to follow Christ's example of investing himself in people. The ultimate goal is professional and spiritual transformation, of both the mentoree and the mentor.

Teen Treasures: Mentoring in Action by Grace J. Tazelaar & Jodi Pyper

Pyper was called to Mississippi to work with the poor under the auspices of the Luke Society. Recognizing teen pregnancy as a perceived need in the community, she utilized her nursing skills and developed a program for young girls promoting abstinence. She tells the story of how she developed relationships with these girls as she modeled Christ's love.

Camp Nurse by Beth Loughner

Loughner gives the view from the infirmary of life at kids' summer camp. Likening this ministry to missionary work, she discusses how the camp nurse is involved with campers and staff. She lets us glimpse one particularly challenging camper, ten-year-old Tanya, who arrives with a newly-diagnosed seizure disorder.

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