As a nurse, have you thought about how your attitude—your way of thinking and behaving toward patients—can be spiritually uplifting or spiritually disparaging? Can having a positive or negative attitude, with or without words, in and of itself, offer spiritual care to our patients? My experience as a patient says yes, attitude can make a huge impact on spiritual well-being.
The Light of Life
It's incredible how fast your life can change. One minute everything is fine; then, with no warning, it all changes. When my daughter-in-law observed my shoulder was swollen, I never imagined it would be a tumor. As one physician after another described the mass as “scary, ugly, and angry” my concern grew. “Cancer” was quietly overheard. Never losing hope, I began to take stock of my life and recognized I was not in control.
On a sunny Friday afternoon, an orthopedic surgeon evaluated the tumor via MRI. I was shocked at the tumor's size. The surgeon called within one hour after the MRI, saying he’d spoken with an orthopedic oncologist who would see me on Monday during his lunch hour. A prayerful trip to the church altar with my family on Sunday provided some relief during that long weekend of uncertainty and fear.
After meeting with the surgeon, surgical biopsy was scheduled for Tuesday so that an appropriate amount of the mass could be obtained for testing. My wife and I were quiet and solemn on Tuesday morning, believing the news would be bleak. We’d both seen the MRI images.
Although the hospital pre-op staff members were pleasant, they were rushed while preparing for my procedure. Then, a ray of sunshine entered into one of our darkest hours. I needed a chest X-ray before surgery. A tiny, young female transporter arrived to wheel me between departments. She came into my room singing and dancing. She wasn't the best singer but shared that she was making a “joyful noise.”
As we passed hospital staff in the hallways, this young woman would cheerfully tease or offer an encouraging word. She ended her conversations with those who noted she looked too small to do her job, saying she was “trying to grow a little bit more every day, like a baby growing in the mother's stomach.” My wife and I were sullen and scared, but this woman would not allow us to keep that attitude. I felt truly cared for by this seemingly insignificant transportation aide. We were smiling as she delivered me back to the pre-op area.
Be the Light
Nurses frequently care for patients experiencing the worst day of their lives. Do you allow others to see God through your actions? Although most transporters receive less pay than other employees in a hospital, this woman's value was immeasurable. She made our day a little less stressful and blessed us with her can do attitude. Her big smile and uplifting words were just what we needed.
God provides opportunities for Christians to influence others. We must be open to these opportunities. You don't have to be the most important person to have impactful influence. The Holy Spirit provides power to spiritually help those around us. A positive outlook on life and a giving spirit can meet the needs of our spiritually distressed patients and coworkers. It didn’t cost a dime for that transporter to show me kindness, but I will always remember her infectious smile and joyful heart.
When you’re lost and in the dark, isn't it your first priority to seek light? If we could consistently be light to those with whom we work and care for, what better witness could there be? Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life” (John 8:12, ESV). In honor of my petite friend, who joyfully sang and teased while moving a man three times her size, I'm trying to grow a little every day and let my light shine bigger and brighter. (P.S.: My mass was removed and determined to be benign!)
Mikeal E. Fountain, BSN, RN, was the cardiac director at East Texas Medical Center, Tyler, Texas, when he wrote this article for JCN in 2015. It was co-authored by Rebecca P. Fountain, PhD, RN, then an assistant professor at the University of Texas at Tyler School of Nursing.
Hear nurses and spiritual care experts discuss best practices in spiritual care on the Following Jesus in Nursing podcast and the upcoming Journal Club, February 20.
