A Time to Witness

One of the valuable lessons I have learned from my long career as a nurse is how not to be a bad patient. Several pointers include not asking your nurse to do something you can do for yourself, not expecting instant service unless it is an emergency (nurses are typically overextended), being cheerful even if you do not feel your best, and always saying thank you. Most people do not realize that good patients get better service.

Recently I found myself a patient in a large teaching hospital after complications from an emergency colon resection at my home hospital.

My surgeon felt it unwise to attempt further surgery there, so he referred me to a university hospital. In the operating room, I asked and was permitted to say a prayer for God’s presence and care during surgery. After a lengthy surgery by three specialists, I awoke with a large incision, colostomy, catheter, NG tube, and an IV.

My daughter, Julie, was there to lovingly support me.

I determined to be a good patient. I used my call light with discretion, helped bathe myself, walked in the hall several times a day, and was cheerful and grateful. Each morning before the doctor’s rounds, I got up early, sponged off, brushed my teeth, and put a smile on my face. Whenever they made a positive comment about my condition, I said, “Praise the Lord.” One morning after rounds, one of the residents returned to my room and asked to pray with me. Another day, a medical student returned to my room and stated, “I feel the Holy Spirit in this room.” Occasionally, a nurse would come by just to visit for a minute.

While there, I frequently played soft religious music, which gave me peace. One morning, the song “Give Me Jesus” came on. I just could not help myself and enthusiastically sang, “In the morning when I rise, give me Jesus.” My door abruptly opened, and a nurse said with a smile, “We heard you singing.” My stay there was lengthy and not without challenges, but I did my best to be an encouragement and a blessing each day.

My recovery progressed nicely, and discharge day arrived. My surgeon sat on the foot of the bed and told me I had been a very good patient.

I felt blessed to have been given a precious opportunity to be a witness to all my caregivers. We can be a witness of God’s goodness everywhere.

May we not waste a single opportunity.

Rose Neff Sikora