Journal of Sacred Work

The best nurses yearn to be part of an organization that lives its mission.

   The above statement may seem obvious. Yet, we all know that most caregivers are disappointed to discover that most hospitals, nursing homes, and clinic settings are suffering from mission failure.
   Why? And how do nurses sustain loving energy when leadership is  lacking?
   I am always surprised when non-profit board members tolerate leadership that fails to appreciate the importance of loving care. As for how nurses can sustain energy when they are unsupported, that is the most common topic we discuss in the Journal. The answer has something to do with the source of our energy…

   If we are dependent on leadership for loving energy then we will be bereft when the leader fails us. On the other hand, when our energy is grounded in the needs of suffering patients or the concerns of our team members, our energy will restore itself.
   This is, of course, so much easier to say than to live. It’s exhausting for caregivers to pour out their hearts each day in the presence of leaders who are unappreciative or even downright hostile. Caregiving is difficult enough without having to put up with an oppressive boss and/or uncaring team members.
   One of the things that characterizes a great caregiver is their ability to keep doing great work with limited support. I have seen this in action and wondered about it.
   It is very clear that the great caregivers are consistently in touch with God’s Love. This does NOT necessarily mean that they are religious. To the distress of some clergy, religion is not a requirement for deep spirituality. What the great caregivers do is to open a pathway to the life of the spirit. They live Love and will live that Love whether anybody else cares or not.
   I admire these folks and wonder at their energy. Then I catch a glimpse of their eyes and know that they are in touch with a power that needs no support from mere mortals.

-Erie Chapman