I am also an R.N. and have worked many years in neurological medical surgery, in the emergency department and then in same-day surgery. Oftentimes I have asked patients if they would like to pray and they have always said «yes.» They are usually very frightened before going into surgery and this helps to calm them down.
I always pray for my patients, but sometimes they do not know it! You can usually tell who wants it and who doesn’t. My job now entails making the pre-operative phone calls the day before surgery. I pray silently as I do the interview, and this enables me to say the right words to calm the patients.
I feel this nurse did the right thing and should be allowed to keep her job. It is a part of the patient care to address the spiritual side of the patient. Much discernment must be used though, as some patients would be offended. I am glad others are supporting this nurse and hope and pray she is appreciated and respected and is able to return to work right away.
Thank you
Lesley Vaitekunas, R.N., sfo
