The Nurse-Patient Relationship Ministry

The ministerial aspect of the nurse-patient interaction means that a nurse is not only a person who heals physically but also spiritually and emotionally (Haugan, 2021). This relationship is predominately characterized by a covenant, an unwritten divine contract that creates a bond of faith and confidence between the nurse and the patient. This subtheme arises following traditions of nursing practice and novice nursing professions being associated with religious orders and institutes of healthcare; thus, the covenantal philosophy remains an instrumental impact in the contemporary nursing philosophy’s comprehensive approach to the care delivery process, where a nurse is a minister caring for patients’ body, mind, and soul. This ministerial role is seen especially in emergencies when nurses are expected to handle technical aspects of treatment and to be sources of strength and solace to patients and their families (Haugan, 2021).

Suppose the idea of the sacred covenant in nursing could still be considered and compared in some way to practice. In that case, it is possible to speak about similarities with the religious experience and biblical concepts while referencing the spiritual treatment of the connections with a person in terms of God’s relation to His people (Bangcola, 2021). This covenant entails loyalty, professional accountability, and the commitment to safeguard the weak, who often require care when undergoing hardship. Like God, who makes a contract with his people, nurses also take an oath, demonstrating the characteristics of faithfulness and compassion to their patients and promising to always uphold the patient’s right to quality nursing care. This sacred dimension enhances not only the vocational character of nursing but also raises its status from a mere employment relationship to one based on moral and even spiritual principles (Bangcola, 2021).

The covenantal relationship also challenges the professional integrity of the nurses and yet, at the same time, demands a personal therapeutic relationship (Tierney et al., 2018). In Ruth 1:16, Ruth says to Naomi, “Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God” (New International Version, 2011). Covenant commitment revealed in that grand, eternal promise, “Your people will be my people and your God my God,” reaches beyond ordinary friendship. This urges nurses to demonstrate affection and devotion to patients without asking for anything in return, understanding cultural differences, and focusing on physical and spiritual well-being. Additionally, this scripture shows the extent of the covenantal concern that includes servitude and loyalty in caring for another. Moreover, Ruth’s commitment transformed into actions to support Naomi instead of lip service, similar to nurses who do not just perform their basic functions but strive for the well-being of their patients (Berlin, 2019). This story captures the key attributes of humane end-of-life care that do not consider social, cultural, or religious differences. Staying to assist, applying ointment, giving a ride, guaranteeing further treatment, and paying for costs, among other such actions, correlate to the services that a nurse offers to a patient. This parable underscores the notion that covenantal caring may not be particularly altruistic and may demand self-impoverishment in addition to public generosity.

Furthermore, The Parable of the Good Samaritan in Luke 10:25-37 depicts the ageless principles of kindness that do not recognize social class status, culture, and religion. In this story, a Samaritan helps a man who had been robbed, beaten, and left half dead (New International Version, 2011, Luke 10:30-33). The Samaritan washes and bandages the hurt man, carries him on his donkey, takes him to an inn, and pays the innkeeper to care for him (New International Version, 2011, Luke 10:34-35). These actions of kindness are akin to the care nurses give to their patients. Also, this parable suggests that covenantal caring can be costly and that risking or going the extra mile is sometimes necessary.

Based on these biblical examples, I reflect that covenantal caring is not just a legal requirement but an extra commitment to the patient’s welfare. As Ruth decided to commit herself to affirming the well-being of Naomi no matter what, so do nurses take vows in sacred moments with their patients. This biblical narrative shows that covenantal caring, as practiced by Ruth, means respecting cultural differences, being emotionally attentive, and fighting for the patient and their well-being, even at the cost of one’s comfort. This level of commitment takes the working relationship between the nurse and the patient from a mere business one and makes it a divine mission of service. Furthermore, this covenantal relationship may not be limited to a patient but includes family members and other support structures, forming a wide web of care that is reminiscent of God’s all-encompassing love for the Israelites.

Accordingly, the practical application of covenantal caring as a paradigm in up-to-date nursing practice entails conscious work and lifelong learning. To be competent and proficient in meeting this sacred call, nurses must develop and enhance not only their technical skills but also their interpersonal, emotional, and spiritual capacities. This includes presence, which involves active listening and not interrupting others; professional boundaries, which entail being professional and compassionate; and self-reflection and spiritual practices, which involve spiritual development. The covenant relationship also calls for nurses to be up-to-date on research findings and practice simultaneously, not forgetting that it is all about the human aspect of the patients.

References

Bangcola, A. A. (2021). The development of Spiritual Nursing Care Theory using deductive axiomatic approach. Belitung Nursing Journal, 7(3). https://doi.org/10.33546/bnj.1456

Berlin, A. (2019, February 8). The story of Ruth. Biblical Archaeology Society. https://www.biblicalarchaeology.org/daily/biblical-topics/hebrew-bible/the-story-of-ruth/

Haugan, G. (2021). Nurse-patient interaction: A vital salutogenic resource in nursing home care. In Health Promotion in Health Care – Vital Theories and Research (pp. 117–136). https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-63135-2_10

The Holy Bible: New International Version (NIV). (2011). Biblica, Inc. (Original work published 1973).

Tierney, S., Bivins, R., & Seers, K. (2018). Compassion in nursing: Solution or stereotype? Nursing Inquiry, 26(1), e12271. https://doi.org/10.1111/nin.12271

ORDER A PLAGIARISM-FREE PAPER HERE

We’ll write everything from scratch

Getting Started

A critical dimension of the nurse-patient relationship is the degree of trust created between the involved parties. The element of trust is lived out in nurse-patient partnerships in terms of a covenant relationship. Although not always formally articulated in these terms, the understood covenant between a patient and a nurse not only supports the concept of trust between the partners, but it also sets up parameters for appropriate behaviors and attitudes. This covenant can be viewed as sacred, given the nature of intimacy of the nurse-patient relationship. The concept of the personal covenantal relationship of God to His people provides a powerful model for the caring and supportive nurse-patient relationships that reflect the art, as well as the science of nursing.

Upon successful completion of the course material, you will be able to:

• Discuss the ministerial role of the nurse that originated in the Bible as a discipline of service and covenantal caring to others.

Resources

• Textbook: Spirituality in Nursing: Standing on Holy Ground
• Bible: New International Version Bible
  

  The Nurse-Patient Relationship Ministry

Instructions

1. Review the rubric to make sure you understand the criteria for earning your grade.
2. Read Chapters 5, 6, & 18 in the text: Spirituality in Nursing: Standing on Holy Ground
3. Online students, navigate to the Nurse-Patient Relationship: Caring Ministry threaded discussion below and respond to the following: (Onsite students will discuss the following in class)
   1. Describe the ministerial dimension of the nurse-patient relationship and the concept of a sacred covenant.
   2. Cite one example in scripture demonstrating covenantal caring and summarize your personal insight regarding this example.
4. Your initial post to the discussion forum is due by the end of the fourth day of the workshop.
   1. Your initial posting should be a minimum of four paragraphs in length that include a minimum of three sentences each.
   2. You are expected to cite the Bible when referring to scripture and to include APA citations and references for any information taken from commentaries found in the Study Bible.
5. Read and respond to at least two of your classmates’ postings, and respond to all instructor follow-up questions directed to you, by the end of the workshop.
6. Your postings should also:
   1. Be well developed by providing clear answers with evidence of critical thinking.
   2. Add greater depth to the discussion by introducing new ideas.
   3. Provide clarification to classmates’ questions and provide insight into the discussion.
   4. Be posted on a minimum of two days during the workshop.