Nursing

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1. ” Like, the Babylonians, the Jews attributed healing and sickness to God” (Sulmasy p. 49). On p 52., we read about the Deuteronomic retribution , a theme that repeatedly recurs in the Hebrew Scriptures,as the ancients attempted to find reasons and meaning for evil and suffering. Illness was considered a result of sin that could be attributed to the person or his/her ancestors. Disease and misfortune was a test of faithfulness to God. Today, we have scientific explanations for sickness, maladies and death. Unfortunately, not all people are so enlightened. Some hold to the Deuteronomic retribution and offer it as rational and justification for medical problems. Provide an example of a contemporary illness that has been attributed to divine wrath and an explanation offered by those who claim the illnesses are punishments from God. (5 points)

2.

The anointing of the sick is administered to bring spiritual and even physical strength during an illness, especially near the time of death. It is most likely one of the last sacraments one will receive. A sacrament is an outward sign established by Jesus Christ to confer inward grace. In more basic terms, it is a rite that is performed to convey God’s grace to the recipient, through the power of the Holy Spirit.

The Sacrament’s Institution

Like all the sacraments, holy anointing was instituted by Jesus Christ during his earthly ministry. The Catechism explains, “This sacred anointing of the sick was instituted by Christ our Lord as a true and proper sacrament of the New Testament. It is alluded to indeed by Mark, but is recommended to the faithful and promulgated by James the apostle and brother of the Lord” (CCC 1511; Mark 6:13; Jas. 5:14-15).

The anointing of the sick conveys several graces and imparts gifts of strengthening in the Holy Spirit against anxiety, discouragement, and temptation, and conveys peace and fortitude (CCC 1520). These graces flow from the atoning death of Jesus Christ, for “this was to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah, ‘He took our infirmities and bore our diseases’” (Matt. 8:17).

It is one of the seven official sacraments of the Catholic Church and along with Reconciliation it is a sacrament of healing.

In a few sentences in your own words, describe two ways this sacrament seeks to minister to the sick in a spiritual manner. (5 points)

3. In Dialectic of Healing , pp. 64-76, Sulmasy presents an argument for compassion as the fundamental value necessary for dealing with sickness and suffering. Using your own words, explain what Sulmasy means.Identify one example of compassionate care you have observed in your professional experience that you have not previously cited. Explain one way that your workplace and the healthcare field in general promote or hinder the practice of compassion for patients. (10 points )

4. In general, Sulmasy addresses his remarks to physicians. Share and explain the aspect which you feel is most important for the nursing profession. (5 points )

ANSWER

Disease and Religion

Question #1

When the HIV/AIDS pandemic gripped the world, individuals and especially Christians interpreted it as an apocalyptic sign of the end of the age, a consequence of God’s judgement on immoral behavior. Christian writers referred to biblical passages about the destruction of the city of Sodom and Gomorrah due to the sin of homosexuality. AIDS was considered a punishment to the gay community. To date, some communities, especially in developing countries, still consider the disease as God’s wrath (Olaore & Olaore, 2014). Women living with the disease are considered to be promiscuous or have been sex workers. The sick are highly stigmatized and considered outcasts.

Question #2

When a priest or a catechist offers the sacrament of anointing to an individual, it provides physical and spiritual healing in accordance with Gods will. Christians hope for physical healing when the sacrament is offered, but even in its absence (physical healing), the primary effect, which is spiritual, is attained. Through spiritual healing, the patient receives the holy spirits gift of courage and peace to deal with the suffering of the illness. The sacrament provides one with an opportunity for forgiveness even when one is too ill to receive the sacrament of reconciliation.

Question #3

According to Sulmasy pages 54-76, compassion is a fundamental value in the healthcare professional-patient relationship. The health care professional ought to listen to the patients’ fears, and concerns hence provide affirmation and encouragement. The first wave of COVID-19 provided unique experiences to different health professionals. While trying to understand the dynamics of the disease and how to manage it, they had a crucial role in encouraging patients and assuring them of getting well. Seeing their patients suffer and die from the disease was heartbreaking; at the same time, they had to strike a balance between caring for their patients and taking precaution not to catch the disease. My workplace promotes compassion for patients by putting their needs before anything else. Providing quality medical care is a crucial aspect and seeing patients recover back their health is our motivation. Seeing my co-workers care for their patients is proof that providing healthcare is not only a career but a calling.

Question #4

The essential aspect that Sulmasy addresses in his remarks to physicians are that healthcare professionals should provide medical care to the patient and be a source of inspiration and encouragement. Additionally, a health care practitioner should be all rounded to provide holistic care. Further, a health care professional ought to be empathetic and compassionate since, in addition to the healing of the body, patients require the healing of the soul.

References

Olaore, I. B., & Olaore, A. Y. (2014). Is HIV/AIDS a consequence of divine judgment?    Implications for faith-based social services. A Nigerian faith-based university’s study.         Sahara J: Journal of Social Aspects of Hiv/Aids, 11(1), 20-25.

https://doi.org/10.1080/17290376.2014.910134