The Meaning of Christian Caring in Nursing Coursework

The role of physical caring is the same for different religions as well as the importance of prayer for believers as part of spiritual interventions. For instance, prayer can be a part of nursing care when it is provided to other family members. As recorded in Genesis 25:21, Isaac prayed to the LORD on behalf of his wife, because she was childless. The LORD answered his prayer, and his wife Rebekah became pregnant (Biblica, 2011). However, patients and/or their families may refuse the spiritual interventions offered as a part of the nursing care (Shelley & Miller, 1999, p. 230).

The difference between religions should not influence the is delivered. However, some nurses may have and beliefs that do not coincide or may even contradict the beliefs of the patient and the family. In this respect, ethical decisions should come first as the health care ethical code requires it. Moreover, it is illegal to impose certain beliefs on people if they do not want that and, especially, on patients when he/she is in a vulnerable condition.

Shelley and Miller (1999) report that though Nurses can provide only a small, though significant, part of the whole spectrum of spiritual care (p. 241), it will be a ministry of to anyone in need (p. 246). As such, Gods plan of redemption can be related to nursing care as nurses help people find peace in their souls. As said in Psalm 130:7, Israel, put your hope in the LORD, for with the LORD is unfailing love and with him is full redemption (Biblica, 2011). So, believing in God and obeying his laws is advice that nurses can give to patients so that they could become worthy of redemption.

As nurses should be objective to all patients and provide health care services to the population regardless of their income status, the responsibilities of the nursing profession to the poor and oppressed of our , compassion, and kindness. The nursing staff is not responsible for poverty; so, they are not obliged to give all their earnings to the poor. At the same time, it is necessary to think about their responsibilities in the hospital where people can have some portion of compassion from nurses when being treated and provided with spiritual care.