Keeping the faith
As a parish nurse, I was happy to read "Nursing in the Faith Community" (Professional Growth, January 2011). After many years of hospital nursing and a knee replacement, I took a 3-day intensive course offered by a university and began to work part-time as a parish nurse, as we're known in my Lutheran denomination. We have a district parish nurse network that lets us get together with other parish nurses to study and share ideas.
I work mostly with older adults but also serve anyone who needs my services. I loved my years of hospital nursing and have found my experience helpful in teaching, working with families, and helping them make decisions regarding advance directives. I listen and am able to pray with them and, especially with home visits, do a short devotion with them.
-MARLENE GROLL, RN
Melrose Park, Ill.
Nip gossip in the bud
I'm responding to "Confidentiality: Silly Story or Garden-Variety Gossip?" (Ethical Problems, February 2011).* This involved a nurse who told her patient an amusing (she thought) story about her surgeon, frightening the patient and angering the physician.
When I was in college in the 1960s, Rotary International's Four-Way Test was posted in every room. I'd recommend it to anyone.
Before speaking, ask yourself the following questions:
"1. Is it the truth?
2. Is it fair to all concerned?
3. Will it build goodwill and better friendships?
4. Will it be beneficial to all concerned?"1
-SHARON NEWTON, PhD, RN
Fort Davis, Tex.