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Prayer in Nursing: The Spirituality of Compassionate Caregiving

Author(s): Mary Elizabeth O'Brien, SFCC, PhD, MTS, RN, FAAN, Catholic University of America
Details:
  • ISBN-13: 9780763722395
  • ISBN-10:0763722391
  • Paperback    164 pages      © 2003
Price: International Sales $45.95 US List
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Overview

Prayer in Nursing: The Spirituality of Compassionate Caregiving examines the role of prayer in the life of a nurse from a variety of perspectives, including: the history of prayer in nursing, the importance of prayer in contemporary caregiving, caring nurse-patient relationships, and the connection between prayer and a healing ministry. To encourage the practice of prayer, each chapter begins with a meditation and ends with a prayer reflective of a nurse's spirituality.

ShowKey Features

Contains a history of prayer in nursing from the Nightingale era to the present
An exploration of the methods of prayer which might be helpful for practicing nurses
A discussion and definition of "charism" in nursing
Anecdotes from contemporary practicing nurses are included throughout to illustrate prayer experiences as lived out in the context of the nurse's vocation of caring for the sick
Each chapter begins with a nursing meditation and ends with a nurse's prayer related to the theme of the chapter, which can be used in group settings to encourage discussion
Special prayers and meditations that are included are "Prayer for Termination of Life Support" and a "Way of the Cross for Nurses"

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ShowTable of Contents

Chapter 1: Prayer in Nursing: Reclaiming Our Spiritual Heritage
Chapter 2: A Holy Calling: Prayer and Commitment to Nursing
Chapter 3: Openness to the Spirit: Prayer and Becoming A Vessel
Chapter 4: A Sacred Covenant: Prayer and the Nurse-Patient Relationship
Chapter 5: Compassionate Caregiving: Prayer and Embracing the Patient's Needs
Chapter 6: The Wounded Healer: Prayer and the Problem of Suffering
Chapter 7: The Journey to Jerusalem: Prayer and a Healing Ministry
Chapter 8: The Art of Contemplative Caregiving


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ShowAbout the Author(s)

Mary Elizabeth O'Brien, SFCC, PhD, MTS, RN, FAAN-Catholic University of America

Mary Elizabeth O'Brien is Professor of Nursing at the Catholic University of America.  She is also a parish nurse and the author of seven titles, four of which, A Nurse's Handbook of Spiritual Care: Standing on Holy Ground, Spirituality in Nursing: Standing on Holy Ground, Second Edition Prayer in Nursing: The Spirituality of Compassionate Caregiving, and  Parish Nursing: Healthcare Ministry within the Church, are published by Jones and Bartlett.

Additional Titles by this Author

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ShowReviews

  • "Sister Mary Elizabeth O'Brien has unlocked for us the 'power of prayer' to seek and to know god. This book is must reading for all health professionals as it unlocks the 'power of prayer' to heal and to care. The book is a special gift to us all and one to be used daily and treasured!"

    RADM Faye G. Abdellah, USPHS (Ret)
    (Ed.D., Sc.D., RN, FAAN)
    Dean and Professor, Graduate School of Nursing
    Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences

    "Dear Sister O'Brien, Thank you so much for writing 'Prayer in Nursing'. I read it as part of an at home study course to earn nursing CEU's to maintain my RN/APN licensure.  It was the best book I've read about nursing and really reinforced my Christian commitment to nursing practice.  Thank you for putting into words so eloquently what I feel."

    Joy Washburn, RN, MSN, WHNP
    Grand Valley State University
    Zeeland Community Hospital

    "Sister Mary Elizabeth O'Brien guides the reader through a prayerful journey- one that provides generous opportunities to pause, to reflect, to pray. The discussion, while reminding us of the importance and relevance of prayer for both the caregiving and recipient of care, gently nudges us to incorporate prayer in our practice of nursing."

    Elizabeth McFarlane, DNSC

     

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ShowAppropriate Courses

Spirituality in Nursing
Spirituality and Care of the Sick
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