Nurses Week!
And remember every nurse should be one who is to be depended upon...She must have a respect for her own calling, because God’s precious gift of life is often literally placed in her hands. ~ Florence Nightingale 🦋
Nursing is my calling, to serve the sick. Jesus said “ It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. (Mark 2:17).
Through COVID 19 I learn what Jesus meant. It was through COVID that I really learned that this was my true vocation and calling. I saw many people die. I cry out to God and ask God for mercy and compassion. Many times I went home burned out and exhausted. I was just in training. I didn’t think that this was going to be the training of my career. I was a nursing assistant in the Med Surg unit. I was just a new graduate looking forward to putting my skills to use. I was studying for my NCLEX-RN, as a new Nursing Assistant in the Med Surg unit I thought It would be a good opportunity to learn. Instead, I was sent to the war. My faith was tested, my inner strength, my human feelings to others. I had to take many breaks, walk away and cry in the bathrooms and hallways. My first patient that passed away in ICU caused me to break down. I had to walk away and call my husband for comfort. I had to ask God for strength. Many nurses saw me as sensitive; others told me that nursing was the wrong career, others told me “ I should reconsider “and many laughed at me. That’s when I knew my true calling. Have you ever questioned God? Have you ever doubted your career? Well, I did. It was through the pandemic that I realized how much passion, patience and endurance I needed. I thought I was ready. Unfortunately, this was the most devastating moment. This was the perfect moment to realize if I really wanted to be a “Nurse”. I admit my nursing trials never end. I have been tested. Through nursing school, studying for a license and trying to understand the coldness of human nature. “And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold. (Mathew 24:12). Many will scream, others will kick you out of their rooms and others will mistreat you, very little will thank you. But, I stay firm. “For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me”. Then the righteous will answer him, “Lord, When did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and gave you something to drink? When did we see you as a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothes? The king replied, Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me. Love is action. No one showed the depths of true love more than our Lord. He set the example for believers to show love and compassion to each other and to the world by what he did. I took the opportunity to grow in my career. I had the opportunity to introduce Jesus to many people while they took their last breath. I was blessed to be able to hold many hands and pray. I saw many miracles, when the world saw a pandemic and death; I saw life and opportunity to bring the gospel of the kingdom to the hospital. I even had the opportunity to pray with many nurses at the beginning of the shift. I learned to be a brave nurse assistant because when I didn’t understand God's plan; I learned to obey, walk, even when there was opposition, I found “purpose in my true calling. (NURSE) 💜
Jesus healed the sick in Love. Therefore, we should do the same and follow his commandments. Let us love our calling and work like for our God. “Whatever you do, work at it with your whole being, for the Lord. (Colossians 3:23). Nursing is my calling and passion. I am happy that I chose a career where I can put myself before others. No matter what, I will alway be a humble servant of my Lord. If I have to choose again, I will choose to be a Registered Nurse. Being a nurse is more than just medical care for patients, it's a spiritual journey. My calling is to preach the Kingdom. I pray that God will give me a mind of knowledge and wisdom, especially, help me remember the true purpose of my vacation, service and dedication.
If you're a nurse, a warrior; you have much to celebrate and be thankful for. raise your voice and testify for the Glory of God. Remember, Jesus loved the sick and had compassion for those who the world rejected.
Always, remember to be grateful. Thank God and walk in his purpose. Never let anyone tell you that you can not do it. Bear one another burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. Always work in humility, value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interest of the others. Remember to practice hospitality. Do to others whatever you would like them to do to you. Everyone who loves has been born of God. Never stop praying. Finally, our reward comes for the Lord. God bless you nurses & God bless all who are like me studying to pass the NCLEX-RN.
~Pastor Madeline Alvarez, Register Nurse 🦋
