Spirituality and Nursing: Personal Responsibility

Abstract

My life has been blessed with six precious grandchildren. This spring, I have been going to their softball games or practices numerous times each week. I have noticed that each player is expected to be a team member, to attend practice, to be punctual, to play by the rules, and to cheer each other from the dugout. Spectators watch players as they bat …some swing and miss; others connect for a single, double, triple, or home run. We cheer even more enthusiastically when the ball player is “ours” - particularly if it was a grand slam!! If a player is called out, we rush to offer a pat on the back or words of encouragement. Nursing is much like a ball team. Within any health care agency, day in and day out, amidst offensive odors, cries of pain/disappointment, or the echo of a dreaded diagnosis, nurses must stay the course with patients and their families. Nursing is a calling and we must keep “swinging and running” – the team is counting on us. Perhaps just as importantly, “spectators” are watching.