Spiritual Care: A Guide for Caregivers by Judith Allen Shelly Read Free Book Online Page B

in control of all things. You know how important
her daughter's wedding is to Elsie, and we ask that she will not
only live to get through it, but that she will be pain-free and full of
energy. We pray that you will heal Elsie and keep her close to
yourself. Help her to know your love and presence right now.
Ease her pain. Give her your peace. In Jesus' name. Amen."
    Elsie visibly relaxed as Jon prayed. By the time Jon returned
with the pain medication, Elsie was sound asleep.
    Many nurses use the excuse that they just don't have time to
provide spiritual care. Even in less pressured settings than a busy
hospital, we tend to think that we are simply too busy to spend
extended time exploring a person's spiritual needs. However, as
Elsie demonstrated so clearly above, spiritual care may save time
in the long run. When the underlying problem is spiritual, medication, surgery or even psychiatric care will not be as effective as
they would be when spiritual needs are appropriately met.
    The time factor is simply a matter of priorities. We have been
socialized to believe that physical needs are the most important,
followed by emotional and social needs. We turn to spiritual needs if there is any time left over, but that rarely happens. Jesus turned
this set of priorities on its head in the Sermon on the Mount,
teaching, "Therefore do not worry, saying, What will we eat?' or
'What will we drink?' or 'What will we wear?' For it is the Gentiles who strive for all these things; and indeed your heavenly
Father knows that you need all these things. But strive first for the
kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be
given to you as well" (Mt 6:31-33).

    How can you make time for spiritual care in a hectic schedule?
    ❑ Put your relationship with God first in your own life. Get up
earlier to spend some quality time with the Lord in prayer, meditation and Bible reading. Or find a time during the day when you
will be undisturbed. Convince yourself that this time is important-confirm your commitment to God in prayer. You can't offer
to others what you do not have yourself.
    ❑ As you develop a plan for those in your care, put spiritual
needs at the top of the list.
    ❑ When you assess a spiritual need, follow up on it.
    ❑ When you find yourself thinking, I don't have time for thce, stop
and pray about how the Lord would have you use the time you do
have.
I Don't Know How!
    Naomi began her new role as a parish nurse in the church where
she had grown up. Although she had been a nurse for twenty
years and taken a parish nurse preparation course before starting
the new job, she felt anxious making her first home visit. However, Violet Jones quickly put her at ease. Recently discharged
from the hospital after abdominal surgery, Violet lived alone.
Naomi did a quick assessment of Violet's physical condition and
asked about her support system for meals, transportation and other activities of daily living. Then she settled in to listen to Violet's stories of her illness and hospitalization. The time passed
quickly, so Naomi rose to leave.

    "Oh dear," Violet exclaimed, "I misplaced my glasses again.
Can you help me find them?" Naomi searched everywhere without success. Finally Violet continued, "I think I lost them in the
hospital. What I really miss is reading my Bible every day. Could
you read it to me?"
    Naomi found Violet's well-worn Bible and daily devotional
guide and read the portion for that day. Violet smiled and nodded
as Naomi read, then stated authoritatively, "Now we pray. You go
first."
    Naomi froze. She had been raised in a Christian home and
prayed with her parents as a child, but she did not know how or
what to pray with Violet. She began praying the Lord's Prayer,
but Violet wasn't satisfied. "You have to talk to God like he's your
friend, not just recite things by rote!" she insisted. A long silence
followed. Naomi knew Violet expected her to continue, so she