Doctrine and Nursing Practice

The Christian life is doctrine and practice. You cannot have the one without the other. I spend my days off from work studying doctrine and my work days in practice. Why nursing? It seems odd that a man who spends a great amount of his time studying theology would choose to work at the bedside taking care of the sick. Are not theologians in ivory towers? Are not learned men in institutions of higher learning?

The ministry of Jesus Christ was twofold: he provided for the physical needs as well as the spiritual needs of the people. Our Lord washed his disciples feet, are we not to do the same as our Lord? Nursing is a difficult and dirty job but that is not my complaint. I do not like what I have seen in nursing as of late. In order to staff the nursing units, hospital administrations have resorted to all kinds of incentives in pay, but the nurse who does not leave and works day to day is forgotten. It is as though nurses are incentivized to leave the bedside for another bedside, so nurses are continently moving and changing jobs. Most move every two years if not more often. The more this happens, the more incentives, and the more incentives offered, the more nurses leave. It is an endless cycle which does not take into account the reason for nursing. 

Nursing is a ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ. Nurses see to the needs of our neighbor. We care for the human body, the human mind and the soul. Why nursing? To honor God who created us, to exalt Jesus Christ who redeemed us and to seek the best for our neighbor who is one of us.

For the Good of the Other

Twenty-three years ago today, December 11, 1997, I graduated from an Associate of Applied Science - Associate Degree Nursing program. The school that I graduated from is now called Dallas College. I would later complete a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Master of Theological Studies. 

When I graduated from nursing school, there was no lag time between graduation and working. I went to work on a medical-surgical unit, as a graduate nurse, on the Monday morning after my graduation. I was assigned a preceptor, but the preceptor had a patient assignment equal to my own. In those days, a graduate nurse was expected to come out of nursing school with the knowledge and skill set of a medical-surgical ward nurse. 

Nursing has changed a great deal since that day, but one thing has not change, people continue to be in need of nursing care. I have always thought nursing to be a stressful endeavor, but in this year, 2020, the stress of the work has abounded and has spilled over into the public sector. 

During my last shift, one of my patients, infected with Covid-19, had a myocardial infarction, was in cariogenic shock, was difficult to arouse and in acute respiratory failure. Chemical and fluid resuscitation measures were initiated, along with urgent intubation. 

For much of the day (I work 12 hour shifts), I was wearing a plastic gown, a hair covering, goggles, a microfiber N-95 mask and a surgical mask; yet when I am in the public sector, including the church building, most people refuse to wear a simple mask. Therefore, I offer a nursing diagnosis: Refusal to wear a mask in public settings related to an ill influenced will.

The Devil, sin and culture influence the will. I do not know what the Devil’s influence is, but I do know that he is the father of lies. COVID-19 is a real problem that hurts real people. You may not be currently showing signs of the virus, but you can be infecting other persons for several days before showing any signs. 

You might say, “I am not worried about it;” however, you should be wearing a simple mask for the others protection, if not your own. Selfishness is the second influence of the will. Selfishness is a larger influence on the will than even the Devil. It is being more concerned with ones own rights and comfort than the others good.

The third influence is culture. There is so much false information and opinions in the public sphere that people do not know what or whom to believe. I person recently said to me, “I think that the whole thing is made up by the government.” Americanism was founded on the twin sisters of rebellion and mistrust. 

What would it take to cause someone who currently is not wearing a mask in public settings, including the church building, to start wearing one? I write this as a nurse and theologian. Please wear a mask in public settings, which includes the church building, for the good of the other.

“Owe nothing to anyone except to love one another; for he who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law. For this, “YOU SHALL NOT COMMIT ADULTERY, YOU SHALL NOT MURDER, YOU SHALL NOT STEAL, YOU SHALL NOT COVET,” and if there is any other commandment, it is summed up in this saying, “YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.” Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.” (Romans 13:8-10)

Suffering and Death in the ICU

Suffering: The state of undergoing pain, distress, or hardship.¹ Death: The end of the life of a person.² Intensive Care Unit: A department of a hospital in which patients who are dangerously ill are kept under constant observation.³

These past 5 days are an example of what my work has been like for the past 21 years: I worked 4, 12 ½ hour shifts. I took care of 10 persons, all of whom suffered but some greater than others. A woman 10 years younger than I suffered a myocardial infarction (heart attack); a woman suffered greatly in the intensive care unit for over a month then died; a woman went into cardio-pulmonary arrest outside the hospital, was resuscitated at the scene but has no cognitive brain function; 2 men suffered coronary artery bypass surgery; a man greatly debilitated and in much pain; 2 elderly people with dementia in pain from fractures; and a woman learned that she has kidney failure. 

For the past 21 years I have been a witness to unspeakable human suffering and death, but that’s not all; I inflicted much suffering to suffering people in a vain attempt to keep them from death. I assure you that the curse is as strong today as it was when Adam and Eve were expelled from the garden, but the curse is not permanent if you trust in Christ. 

The curse (suffering and death) are a result of sin. (Gn 3) Sin is lawlessness. (1 John 3:4) The cause of sin is temptation which comes from three sources: Satan, the world, and the flesh. (Mt 4:3, Jam 1:15, & Mk 4:19) Jesus defeated all of these in his incarnation: The law, Satan, the world, the flesh, sin, and the curse (suffering and death). Jesus was tempted by Satan, the world, and the flesh but never sinned. (Mt. 4:1-10 ) He took upon himself the condemnation for our sin; He suffered and died as a criminal in our place. On the third day Jesus defeated death and rose from the grave. Witnessed by the apostles risen from the dead. (1 Cor. 15:3-5) Jesus Christ is Lord, all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to him. (Mt. 28:18 ) He ascended to heaven and is promised to return. (Acts 1:9-11 ) When Jesus returns all the dead will rise. Those who heard his voice and followed his word will go into eternal life in the new heaven and new earth; (Mt 25:31-46)  “and He will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there will no longer be any death; there will no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain; the first things have passed away.” (Rev. 21:4, NASB) 

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¹ “Suffering | Definition of Suffering in English by Oxford Dictionaries.” 2019. Oxford Dictionaries | English. Oxford Dictionaries. Accessed January 2. https://en.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/suffering.

² “Death | Definition of Death in English by Oxford Dictionaries.” 2019. Oxford Dictionaries | English. Oxford Dictionaries. Accessed January 2. https://en.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/death.

³ “Intensive Care Unit | Definition of Intensive Care Unit in English by Oxford Dictionaries.” Oxford Dictionaries | English. Accessed January 2, 2019. https://en.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/intensive_care_unit.

Are Today’s Hospitals Hospitality Houses Anymore?

The Greek word philoxenia φιλονεξία literally means the love of strangers. (cf. Rom 12:13; Heb 13:2) The adjective form philoxenos φιλόξενος means to be hospitable. (cf. 1 Tm 3:2; Ti 1:8; 1 Pt 4:9) Both noun and adjective forms are a two part Greek word philos-loving and xenos-stranger.1 The NASB New Testament uses the English word hospitality three times: two of which are in Rom 12:13 and Heb 13:2 but another instance occurs in 1 Tm 5:10. In the Timothy passage hospitality is translated from the Greek verb xenodocheo ξενοδοχέω. We have already shown that xenos means stranger; however, docheo means to receive. Hospitality in 1 Tm 5:10 is the act of receiving strangers.2 Therefore; hospitality in the context of these New Testament letters is the Christian duty bound by the law of Christ (love) to feed, lodge and protect strangers.

Travel in the first century was difficult. If you were wealthy you might have animals to assist in travel but the majority had to traverse the highways and byways afoot caring few supplies. They would arrive hungry, tired and possibly sick or injured. The Christian who received these traveling strangers would need to prepare food for them and care for the sick and injured while they convalesce. It is no surprise that these convalescent houses got the name Hospital. The hospitals that we have today are a far cry from these first century convalescent houses but my question is: Are today’s hospitals hospitable in the context of the Greek word philoxenos?

On December 11, 1997, I graduated from nursing school. Over 21 years ago I became a Registered Nurse and began working at the bedside with the sick and injured. There was a strong push when I was in nursing school for nurses to call the ones that we care for clients rather than patients. This had to do with nurses wanting to be considered professionals like doctors, lawyers, engineers etc. Not long after I became a nurse the drive to use the term client was dropped but the desire for nurses to be considered professionals did not stop. Today’s nurses seek advanced degrees and leave the bedside in droves, driven by a desire to be considered equals among the other professions in America. This has caused a devastating affect on the purpose for nursing. The purpose of nursing is for the other, a nurse is to be above all else hospitable; receiving and loving strangers. In addition, one of the biggest drives in hospitals these past few years has been customer service. This has further driven nurses away from the purpose of nursing. Hospitals have become money making machines. Everything about today’s hospitals is about bring in as much revenue as possible while keeping overhead as low as possible. I think a reformation is in order but where do we begin? Perhaps we should begin where the first century Christian began: With the Son of God Jesus Christ.

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1 W. W. Vine, Merrill F. Unger and William White Jr., Vine’s Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words, (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1996), Hospitality.
2 Ibid, Stranger.

The Human Heart

Artwork by Bethany Peek

I have seen the human heart with my own eyes. I have touched the human heart with my hands. I have monitored the hearts electrical system. I have visualized the heart’s pumping chambers and measured their function. I have visualized the hearts own vascular system called the coronary arteries which feed oxygenated blood to the heart muscle. I have taken part in procedures to replace heart valves, implant defibrillators, implant pacemakers, open blocked coronary arteries or bypass them.

I have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and have been employed as a Registered Nurse for 21 years. I have spent all of that time in areas of nursing that specialize in caring for people with heart disease. I have received advance nursing certifications from The American Association of Critical Care Nurses as a Critical Care Registered Nurse and in Cardiovascular Surgery. I am certified by The American Heart Association in both Basic Life Support and Advance Cardiac Life Support. I say these things that you may understand how intimately I know the human heart. It is obvious to me that the human heart is fearfully and wonderfully made, and my soul knows it very well. (Ps 119:14)

Darwin said, “If it could be demonstrated that any complex organ existed which could not possibly have been formed by numerous, successive slight modifications, my theory would absolutely break down.”1 The human heart is an irreducible complex system that I believe could not have been formed by numerous, successive slight modifications. “Michael Behe defines an irreducible complex system as a single system of several well-matched , interacting parts that contribute to the basic function, wherein the removal of any one of the parts causes the system to effectively cease functioning.”2

The hearts electrical system tells the myocardium when to contract and in what sequence. The hearts valves open and close at specified times to force direction of flow. The four chambers are made by a septum. The myocardium is the motor of the heart and the coronary arteries are the gas line that fuel the motor. If any one of these things are removed the entire system stops functioning.  It would be impossible for the heart to have developed overtime because if one system where missing then it could not function and would never have come to be.

Thomas Aquinas wrote: By his natural reason man is able to arrive at some knowledge of God. For seeing that natural things run their course according to a fixed order, and since there cannot be order without a cause of order, men, for the most part, perceive that there is one who orders the things that we see. But who or of what kind this cause of order may be, or whether there be but one, cannot be gathered from this general consideration.2

The apostle Paul wrote that God is evident to man, but it is our sin that separates us from knowing God. (cf. Rom 1:18-32) Therefore, We can know that there is a God by looking at natural things, but we cannot know God except by special revelation. The Scriptures are God’s special revelation of himself and His Divine plan to man. If you do anything this week, take up the Scriptures and read that you may know Him.


In Christ alone,
Mike Peek


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1 Francis J. Beckwith, “Darwin, Design and the Public Schools” in To Everyone An Answer: A Case for the Christian Worldview, ed. Francis J. Beckwith, William Lane Craig and J. P. Moreland (Downers Grove: IVP Academic, 2004), 276.
2 Ibid.
3 William A. Dembski, “An InformationTheoretic Design Argument” in To Everyone An Answer: A Case for the Christian Worldview, ed. Francis J. Beckwith, William Lane Craig and J. P. Moreland (Downers Grove: IVP Academic, 2004), 79.

National Nurses Week

National Nurses Week begins each year on May 6th and ends on May 12th, Florence Nightingale's birthday. These permanent dates enhance planning and position National Nurses Week as an established recognition event. As of 1998, May 8 was designated as National Student Nurses Day, to be celebrated annually. And as of 2003, National School Nurse Day is celebrated on the Wednesday within National Nurses Week (May 6-12) each year.1  

Florence Nightingale is credited with modern nursing theory and the development of nursing schools;2 however, nursing did not begin with Florence Nightingale. The nurse historian Josephine Dolan said, “Even after nineteen hundred years it is difficult to fully comprehend the impact of the birth of Jesus Christ and His teaching on society and the care of the sick.”3

Jesus said, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved, you, that you also love one another. By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” (Jn.13:34-35) Jesus Christ is Lord, as Christian nurses we are our patients bond-servants for Jesus sake. (cf. 2 Cor. 4:5)

Nursing did not begin as a Highly-Structured•Technical•Reimbursement-Driven system. Nor did it begin with Florence Nightingale's Care Model. Nursing came forth from the Law of Christ. Therefore, during this year’s nurse’s week, I encourage my fellow nurses to reflect on the profession of nursing as a follower of Jesus Christ and not these other things. 

Therefore we do not lose heart, but though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day. For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison, while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal. (2 Cor. 4:16-18)

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1 "National Nurses Week History," ANA, accessed May 09, 2018, https://www.nursingworld.org/education-events/national-nurses-week/nnw-history/.

2 Betty R. Ferrell and Nessa Coyle, The Nature of Suffering and the Goals of Nursing (New York: Oxford University Press, Inc., 2008), 6.

3 Hutchison, Margaret Hutchison, Nursing Yesterday and Today, accessed May 9, 2018, http://www.ncfansw.org/nursing-yesterday-and-today/

William George Davis, RN

Today I write with a broken heart an open-letter to my nursing colleague, friend and I hope, brother in Christ William Davis, RN. Will has been accused of murder and was arrested on April 11, 2018. I write this as an open-letter because this has become an open-matter.

Will Davis and Family Copied from Facebook

Dear Will,

I miss your smiles and your jovial laughter on our nursing unit. I first meet you about 5 years ago in the spring of 2013. My wife met you before I did; I remember her telling me, “I met a guy in orientation who is going to work on your unit, he is so excited to work on your unit and is real fun.” From that time on you were usually laughing and all smiles. Often times you brought a bag of candy to work, because of this, and your jovial laughter I nicknamed you the Candyman and would even sing in your presences,

“Who can make the sun rise and cover it with cheer…the Candyman can, the Candyman can because he mixes it with love and makes the world taste good.”

We both decided to return to school about the same time and get a Bachelor of Science in Nursing because we had both become nurses through an Associate Degree Nursing program. You went to Texas Women’s University and I went to the University of Texas at Arlington. I would tease you about going to a women’s college even though both of us had chosen a profession dominated by women.

We graduated from our perspective Bachelorette programs about the same time, I graduated in December 2015. After graduation, we each started graduate school, you in a Master of Nursing Practitioner program and I in a Master of Theological Studies at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. You have completed your master’s degree, but I still have one year of studies.

I write and post this letter too my blog, “The Nurse Theologian.” So, named because it combines our chosen profession of nursing with my passion to know the Lord our God. I do not know if you have ever read my blog but I do know that you have had access to it given that we are friends on Facebook and I have had one of my blog post, “Nursing and the Law of Christ” posted up on the board in our break room since January of this year. If you haven’t read that post I suggest that you do, because it is what I believe nursing to be all about.

Will, my heart breaks for you whether you be innocent or guilty, you were created in the image of God, but in addition to that, I have come to call you my friend. I met with my pastor about all of this a month ago when hospital administration turned you over to the Texas Nursing Board. I knew then that an arrest would likely occur and I needed wisdom from someone with a level head and not close to the situation.

I had three concerns that I voiced to him:

1. “What do I do when this goes public and people in the media and on social media are saying all kinds of evil without true knowledge?” When the news story broke members of my own family called me or text me these very things. The advice my pastor gave comes from the book of James, “This you know, my beloved brethren. But everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger; for the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God.” (Jam. 1:19-20)
2. “How do I best support the staff on my unit, many of whom believe that there is a conspiracy against the nursing staff and believe that the hospital has been looking for a scapegoat?” My pastor said, “Embrace the agnostic.” This simply means do not speculate or read into things. He told me: You know your friend and you know what has occurred in-between these two are things you do not know. Embrace what you do not know because by doing so you can both support your friend and continue seeking the good of your neighbor as a nurse.
3. As for the third question I will keep it to myself for now.

We were all created in the image of God but have all sinned and fall short of His glory. The penalty for our sin is the death of our bodies; and ultimately, eternal punishment in the lake of fire after the resurrection and final judgment. There is however good news. God has given us His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ as a true scapegoat, that whoever trusts in Him should not perish but have eternal life. Jesus lived a righteous life and willingly died in our place for the sins. On the third day he rose from the dead, He ascended into heaven and is now seated at the right hand of the Father Almighty, all authority has been given to Him. Jesus will return to judge the earth on the last day. All those who repented of their sins, trusted Him as Savior and followed Him as Lord will go into eternal life, but all those who rejected Him will go away into eternal punishment. Therefore, I call all who read this letter to repent and believe in the gospel.

Will, I know you as a jovial light-hearted person and I know that some unexpected events occurred on our unit, what lies between I do not know; therefore, I am embracing what I do not know and praying for you during this time. I know that the Lord our God is a righteous judge; therefore, I am praying for the will of God to be done. I do not know fully why He allows bad things to happen, but indications from Scripture are that it is both for His glory and our good. I am also praying for the truth to come forward. Our Lord is a God of truth. I am also praying that the Lord keep us all from temptation brought on by the world, our flesh and Satan. I pray that we are all guided by the Word of God and the Holy Spirit of truth in any decision that we make.

Will, whether you be innocent or guilty in this matter, I love you as my friend. Look to Christ and live. I am praying for you, your family, our nursing staff and everyone effected by this tragedy. May the Lord’s will be done.

In Christ alone,
Mike Peek

Euthanasia and the Sanctity of Human Life

I do not think that there is any such thing as euthanasia, though there are many who say that there is; I think that the actual definition of euthanasia demonstrates my point. The Feinbergs said that “euthanasia” comes from two Greek words that combine to mean good death.1 Is death ever good?

Man was created by God, in the image of God, male and female. (Gn.1:28) Death became part of the creation because of human sin. (cf. Gn.3:14-19, Rom.5:12) Death therefore is inevitable; (cf. Heb.9:27) we can do nothing to stop it, but death is also an enemy. (cf. 1 Cor.15:26, NASB) Do you embrace your enemies?

I am currently in my 21^st year as a Registered Nurse. I have spent almost my entire career working in an intensive care unit. I’m certified as a Critical Care RN (CCRN). I have probably witnessed over 1000 deaths during my career and I assure you that there are no good deaths. Some are more horrific than others, but none are good. “Approximately 20% of deaths in the United States occur in ICU or following an ICU admission.”2

Death is an enemy of mankind. Nursing has two goals: 1) Save life. 2) Relieve human suffering. All too often these come into conflict and an ethical dilemma ensues. Most nurses in a critical care setting stay at the bedside 2-5 years, then they find something else to do. Suffering is the reason that nurses do not stay at the bedside. “Nurses working in an ICU, a NICU, on an Oncology unit, or in and ED come to work each day, aware that they will certainly witness suffering and that they are very likely to also see death.”3

What I wrote in my previous blog “Christian Ethical Decision Making” applies perfectly to the conflict of saving life and relieving human suffering. That last step is to make a decision that honors God; this must be put at the top of the hierarchal ladder of any decision-making process. If life can be saved but doing so causes human suffering; then the human must suffer, because all human life is sacred. If, however, it is determined that human life cannot be saved, relieving human suffering should be the goal.

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1 John S. Feinberg and Paul D. Feinberg, Ethics for A Brave New World, 2^nd ed. (Wheaton: Crossway, 2010), 175.

2 Betty R. Ferrell and Nessa Coyle, The Nature of Suffering and the Goals of Nursing, (New York: Oxford University Press, 2008), 62.

3 Ibid, 88. 

Nursing and the Law of Christ

The Lord’s teaching recorded in John 13-21 is amazing. It is what the apostle Paul calls "the Law of Christ." (Cf. 1 Cor. 9:21 & Gal.6:2) “The Law of Christ" is sacrificial love for the sake of the other. Jesus commandment is that we love one another just as He loved us. (Jn.13:34, 15:12,17) Jesus’ command to His disciples, to love one another, is bracketed by two amazing examples: First, He their teacher and Lord washed their feet. (Jn.13:13) Second, Jesus laid down His life for His disciples. (Jn.15:13) Talk about making your point! When Jesus had been raised from the dead He commissioned them to go into the world just as the Father had sent Him. (Jn.20:21)

In a video interview, Dr. Jason G. Duesing, the provost at Midwestern Baptist Seminary referred to seminary as "formal•structured•discipleship."1 In the early church, all Christians were expected to attend "formal•structured•discipleship." In an article written by Dr. Duesing, a review of Gonzalez’s book on the history of theological education, Duesing said, "In the early church, Gonzalez shows how there were Christian schools, like Justin Martyr’s in Rome and the Alexandrian catechetical school, but these were not formal environs for the training of pastors but rather the simple study to the Christian faith."2 This makes since given that Jesus spent 2-3 years instructing His disciples before sending them out to make disciples and instruct the new converts. (cf. Mat. 28:16-20)

"The writing physician Rachel Naomi Remen speaks to the work of nursing as a service to others…She says that serving is different from helping in that helping is based on inequality; it is not a relationship between equals. Serving is a relationship between equals"3 "So when He (Jesus) had washed their feet, and taken His garments and reclined at the table again, He said to them, "Do you know what I have done to you? You call Me Teacher and Lord; and you are right, for so I am. If I then, the Lord and the Teacher, washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet." (Jn. 13:12-13)

Nursing and theology are bond together, but in our secular university systems they have been separated. These schools do a good job of teaching the student nurse how to do nursing, but unless the student nurse understands why they are doing it, they will soon fall away from the bedside.

In a 2010 pilot study of baccalaureate nurses and hospital nursing; "Forty percent had left hospital nursing after an average of 6.4 years, with a median of 5 years. Just over 56% were still practicing hospital nursing, and of these, 81.8% were staff RNs, 26.9% of whom intended to leave hospital nursing in the next 3-5 years."4 That means that only 1/3 of all graduates with a baccalaureate of science in nursing will be at the bedside 10 years later. In my experience, it takes 2-3 years before a graduate nurse is competent and 10 plus years before he/she is an expert nurse. I venture a hypothesis that the statistics would be worse if studied today. Why are so many nurses leaving the bedside?

Suffering

Suffering is the reason that nurses do not stay at the bedside. They themselves may not even know suffering is the reason for their departure. All hospital nurses see suffering, inflect suffering and are suffering within as a result. "Nurses working in an ICU, a NICU, on an Oncology unit, or in and ED come to work each day, aware that they will certainly witness suffering and that they are very likely to also see death."5

I have worked as Critical Care (ICU) Nurse for the majority of my career and have seen a great deal of suffering and death.

Suffering in critical care settings is often associated with a state of crisis. Many patients in emergency departments (ED), ICU, and cardiac care units (CCU) are amidst an abrupt transition from health to illness…Approximately 20% of deaths in the United States occur in ICU or following an ICU admission…Progress in treatments such as pharmaceuticals, renal dialysis, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and anesthetic/surgical techniques have made it possible to extend the lives of many people. These advances often lead to a public expectation that virtually all lives can be saved and thus magnify the shock and denial of the possibility of death…Nurses in ICU settings witness--and even directly experience--acute grief as they admit new patients to their care almost daily…Nurses working in critical care are called on to be technologically proficient, expert in detecting and resolving physical crisis, and highly skilled in guiding patients and families through the psychological and spiritual crisis of life-threatening acute illness and injury…Nurses in critical-care settings require spiritual reflection and replenishment to sustain their expert care.6

Every day that I work in an ICU is difficult. I both see unimaginable suffering within patients and their families because of this I experience suffering. Without the continued guiding hands of the Great Shephard, His Word and Spirit, I would not be at the bedside today. Every shift that I work, I depart from the hospital grieving.

Why Nursing?

Why Nursing? Because Jesus Christ is Lord, and we are your bond-servants for Jesus’ sake. (2Cor.4:5) Jesus said, "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another." (Jn.13:34-35)

I began this post explaining how Jesus taught His disciples true love by example: First, He washed the disciple’s feet. Second, He laid down His life for the disciples. In-between these two great examples He commanded them to "love one another, just as I have loved you." (Jn.15:12) Afterword He sent them into the world as the Father sent Him. (Jn.20:21)

Why Nursing? Love is the reason. True love is sacrificial for the sake of the other. I believe that 2 Corinthians 4:5 should be the nursing motto. Plaquered on the walls of every nursing class room. "For we do not preach ourselves but Christ Jesus as Lord, and ourselves as your bond-servants for Jesus’ sake." Jesus Christ is Lord and nurses are bond-servants to the sick and injured for Jesus’ sake. In 2 Corinthians chapter 4 Paul was speaking about his apostolic ministry of the word, yet everything that he says in that chapter is applicable to the service of nursing. Nursing is love demonstrated to the other for Jesus’ sake. Nurses who understand this will be nurses indeed for a lifetime.

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1 Jason G. Duesing, A Conversation with Dr. Jason G. Dueling, Video, accessed January 21, 2017, http://www.mbts.edu/video/conversation-dr-jason-g-duesing/.

2 Jason G. Duesing, The History of Theological Education: A Review, accessed January 3, 2018, http://jgduesing.com/2017/05/11/the-history-of-theological-education-a-review/.
3 Betty R. Ferrell and Nessa Coyle, The Nature of Suffering and the Goals of Nursing, (New York: Oxford University Press, 2008), 109.
4 Mary Jane K. DiMattio, Paula Roe-Prior, Dona Rinaldi Carpenter, Intent to Stay: A Pilot Study of Baccalaureate Nurses and Hospital Nursing, accessed January 4, 2017, http://www.professionalnursing.org/article/S8755-7223(10)00064-5/fulltext.
5 Betty R. Ferrell and Nessa Coyle, The Nature of Suffering and the Goals of Nursing, (New York: Oxford University Press, 2008), 88.
6 Ibid, 62-67.

The Essence of Nursing

“Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?” And He said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the great and foremost commandment. The second is like it, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ On these two commandments depend the whole Law and the Prophets.” (Mat.22:36-40)

The essence of nursing is to take up your cross and follow the Lord Jesus Christ; loving your neighbor with complete disregard for your own gratification and needs. Nursing, despite all of our education, despite all of our strivings as professionals; we are first and foremost servants to those in need. Josephine Dolan wrote as quoted “Even after nineteen hundred years it is difficult to fully comprehend the impact of the birth of Jesus Christ and His teaching on society and the care of the sick.”1

This is what I believed the essence of nursing was when I returned to school in 2014, and it is what I believe the essence of nursing is today. I believe that the profession of nursing is in need of reform:

Nurses have evolved from the highly personalized care modeled by founder Florence Nightingale (who organized a unit of 38 women in 1854 for service in the Crimean War) to a modern-day bedside characterized by high-tech equipment, alarms, and digital data. In modern health care, financial implications commonly override considerations of individual needs.2

When I returned to school, my first assignment was to write my personal nursing philosophy, but everything that I was taught after that was “highly structured, technical, and reimbursement-driven.”3 Where I currently work financial considerations are the name of the game. Almost every message that I receive from management has something to do with financial considerations and it greaves me deeply to read them. Are financial considerations important? Of course, even in an environment that is truly non-profit there would be limited funds to work with, but financials are not the primary consideration for nursing. The primary consideration for nursing is to honor God, exalt Jesus Christ as Lord and seek the best for our neighbors.

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1 Mike Peek, “My Doctrine on Nursing is Love,” The Nurse Theologian; July 13, 2014, http://www.thenursetheologian.com/search?q=philosophy.

2 Betty R. Ferrell and Nessa Coyle, The Nature of Suffering and the Goals of Nursing (New York: Oxford University Press, Inc., 2008), 6.

3 Ibid.

20 Years of Relational Care

On this day (December 11, 1997), 20 years ago, I graduated with the group pictured after spending 2 years with them at Brookhaven College in Farmers Branch, Texas. We all received an Associate of Applied Science-Associate Degree Nursing. Our diplomas, however, read El Centro College, that’s because the Nursing program belonged to El Centro College, we were a satellite group.

I haven’t seen this picture in years. What a ragtag looking group by today’s standards, all wearing outdated uniforms and hairstyles. Much of what we were taught would be considered outdated as well. I wonder what these people are doing today. Are they still nurses? Are any of them still at the bedside?

After graduating I was hired to work on the Medical/Surgical Unit at Doctors Hospital in Dallas, Texas. Doctors Hospital is located at Garland Rd and Buckner Blvd on the east side of White Rock Lake. None of the nurses that graduated with me came to work at this hospital.

In the summer of 1998 Darlene and I decided to move to Colorado, we were both hired to work at the Northern Colorado Medical Center in Greeley, Colorado; I in the Cardiac telemetry unit and she in the operating room. After 1 year on the telemetry unit I decided that I wanted to work in the operating room, but something was missing; therefore, after 1 year in the operating room I went to work in the ICU stepdown.

In the summer of 2001, Darlene and I decided to move back to Texas. We were both hired at Trinity Mother Frances in Tyler, Texas; now Christus Trinity Mother Frances. I began working in the Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit and she in day surgery. While at Christus Trinity Mother Frances, I spent a 3-year period in the Cardiac-Cath Lab and Electrophysiology labs, but have spent the majority of the past 16 ½ years in the Cardiovascular ICU.

A little over three years ago I decided to go back to school and obtain a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. I graduated from the University of Texas at Arlington on December 19, 2015. During that time, I also obtained certifications as a Critical Care Registered Nurse and in Cardiovascular Surgery Recovery.

I am a sinner fallen short of the glory of God, being justified as a gift by His grace through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus; whom God displayed publicly as a mercy seat in His blood through faith. (cf. Rom.3:23-25) In April of 2003 God saved me from the penalty of sin which is death, He is presently saving me from the power of sin which is the law, and I trust that on a future date He will save me from the presence of sin which is the resurrection of the body. (cf. 1Co.15:50-58)

On March 14, 2016, I began taking classes at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. I am working towards a Master of Theological Studies, because my desire is to know God. I have 6 classes remaining to obtain that degree; Lord willing, I should graduate this time next year.

What to do after graduation? For some time now I have been telling people that I believe nursing is a practical theology. Theology is the study of God. Practical theology is the right application of that knowledge. I recently learned of a branch in practical theology called Relational Care:

The theology of relational care pertains to ministering to the personal needs of others, primarily individuals going through crises of a temporal nature. ... Addressing these needs in relation to theology is generally facilitated in a religious or parachurch environment. (Wikipedia, n.d.)

That description sounds a lot like the way hospitals and nursing began. Why do so many hospitals have a Christian name attached to them, but have no apparent connection to that name today? The theology of relational care is modeled after the ministry and teachings of Jesus Christ. (Wikipedia, n.d.) Jesus spent a great deal of time caring for and healing the sick. (cf. Mar.6:13, Luk.4:40) Jesus taught His disciples; then after rising from the dead He commissioned them to make disciples, baptize them in the name of the Triune God, and teach them to observe all that He commanded them. (cf. Mat.28:16-20) Hospitals and nursing came forth from the Great Commandment and the Great Commission. Florence Nightingale is credited for modern nursing theory; her care model was highly personalized with an emphasis on personal touch, fresh air, and silence; she organized a unit of 38 women in 1854 for service in the Crimean War. Today’s hospitals are highly structured, technical, and reimbursement-driven; this is a far cry from Nightingales care model. (Ferrell & Coyle, 2008)

A person that I know who is involved in the ministry of evangelism recently said to me, “For the record: it’s not my responsibility to change the world. It’s my responsibility to preach the gospel to people.” Here is the problem with that kind of thinking; you cannot divorce the Great Commandment from the Great Commission, they are inseparable, one would die without the other.

I plan, Lord willing, to spend the next year working with patients and nurses in the Cardiovascular ICU at the Christus Trinity Mother Frances Louis and Peaches Owens Heart Hospital. Then I plan to transition to nursing education; however and wherever the Lord wills. Whatever I do, may it be for the glory of God and the good of my neighbor.

Works Cited

Ferrell, B. R., & Coyle, N. (2008). The Nature of Suffering and the Goals of Nursing. New York: Oxford University Press.

The Holy Bible: Updated New American Standard Bible. (1995). La Habra: The Lockman Foundation.

Wikipedia. (n.d.). Retrieved December 11, 2017, from Theology of Relational Care: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theology_of_relational_care