Journal of Sacred Work

Caregivers have superpowers! Radical Loving Care illuminates the divine truth that caregiving is not just a job. It is Sacred Work.

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Former President & CEO of multiple hospital systems and founding president & CEO of 20-hospital OhioHealth, best selling author, film artist, ordained minister, composer, published poet, syndicated T.V. host, trial attorney, federal prosecutor and Municipal Court Judge. Erie is internationally known as the founder of the Radical Loving Care(R)movement. He also heads Erie Chapman Foundation, Dane Dakota Productions, LLC, and Chapman Health International, Inc.

Recent Posts

About

Former President & CEO of multiple hospital systems and founding president & CEO of 20-hospital OhioHealth, best selling author, film artist, ordained minister, composer, published poet, syndicated T.V. host, trial attorney, federal prosecutor and Municipal Court Judge. Erie is internationally known as the founder of the Radical Loving Care(R)movement. He also heads Erie Chapman Foundation, Dane Dakota Productions, LLC, and Chapman Health International, Inc.

Days 205-206 – The Compass in Compassion

Compass 1   We are redeemed by our compassion. Yet, compassion seems to be chronically misunderstood. Most people see compassion as simple kind-heartedness. It is more than that.

   I remember speaking with a Chief Nursing Officer once about a nurse who had developed a record of chronic mistakes in patient care. "But, she's so kind and compassionate," the CNO told me.

   "She may be kind, but she's not compassionate," I responded. "If she were compassionate, she would either improve her clinical performance or resign."

   Compassionate leadership calls us to make sure that nurses like this either improve or leave. In fact, it is cruel and unfair to patients to allow a poor performing nurse to continue practicing.    

   For caregivers, to live with compassion means to bring the highest competence possible to the care of patients. For example, there is nothing compassionate about making clumsy mistakes over and over and then being nice to the patient. What is compassionate is to live our highest skill levels with respect, discipline and caring.

   The compass in compassion means that compassion directs us to walk a path in which we live both skill and kindness. The balance is crucial. Only Love can help us find this balance.

-Erie Chapman  

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4 responses to “Days 205-206 – The Compass in Compassion”

  1. ~liz Wessel Avatar
    ~liz Wessel

    Most caregivers are drawn into healthcare, a helping profession, because they care about people. No one wants to do a bad job. Internal motivators encompass performing challenging work, use of creativity to solve problems, mastery of a skill, meaningful work where one can make a difference, and being able to be self-directed with a sense of autonomy.
    We have an obligation to the patients and families we serve to provide competent quality care. We must to have systems and structures in place to support caregivers and to provide them with the necessary tools for success. This includes competency-based orientation, a sound preceptor program, ongoing education and a supportive team environment.
    You raise some very good points and I like the image of the moral compass as well as the message that you shared today.

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  2. Victoria Facey Avatar
    Victoria Facey

    Today’s journal entry is right on; I also see signs of integrity in those who show compassion. How beautifully borrowed is the partial word “compass” and its meaning within the subject – I loved it!

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  3. Marily Avatar
    Marily

    Moral compass … through the lens of compassion, don’t leave home without it 🙂
    It requires the wholeness of a caregiver to provide the radical loving care needed. As we keep our attitude and character in check so as well as our competent skills and intelligence updated. After all there is an important reason behind the continuing education that we need as an active professional. I am thankful to be given so many hours of ed time per year as one of our benefits, I have the choice how to us it to the full.

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  4. erie chapman Avatar
    erie chapman

    “Mockingbird” is such a sacred memory for so many millions. I remember the terrific theme music so well – whimsical and poignant like the story. Thank you, Liz.

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