I’m tired and definitely need a nap. I’ll get one soon. Actually, I should be doing some research for a group project (Does anyone else hate group projects, and deny their usefulness too?). It’s for a professional issues class. We’re working on a topic that centres around religion. It’s a little bit “fluffy” for my tastes, but it really is hard to come up with solid topics in nursing.

I’m hoping to put a spin on the topic, claiming that there is no room for religion in health care. Which seems simple enough, but imagine if people weren’t allowed to have their priests visit them in the hospital to pray for health. The problem is that people like me would never be able to gather all 10 members of their pagan grove, circle round, light dozens of candles and incense, then chant and meditate upon my health. The logistics would be a nightmare, let alone the fact that half the patients would panic that such a thing was happening. But, why should one be allowed and not the other. My view is that we need to accept ALL religious healing practices, or none at all–and there’s no way to accept all religious healing practices–so I say none at all.

I hope that makes sense. The thing is, hospitals are a government institution (in Canada anyway), and government institutions are supposed to separate themselves from religious practice. Is it fair to deny people their religion when they’re sick?

The main competing argument is that nursing care is meant to be holistic, encompassing body, mind, and spirit. Including spirituality into the patient’s care is expected. So, where do we go from there?

Anyway, I hope it goes well. To be honest, I hate the process, but it’s just a means to an end.

I downloaded those William Faulkner audiobooks from audible a few weeks ago–the ones that Oprah had for her book club. I just remembered them as I was typing. Now I’m mad. I really really want to listen to them, but who knows when I will have time! ARG!

Well, I don’t really have anything new or exciting to write about today. All I’ve done is go to class, gossip with nursing buddies, buy guinea pig food, fix my Internet connection, play with photoshop, and watch the Red Sox get walked all over by the White Sox (So far anyway…there’s three innings left….silly Red Sox).

So, I’m going to go have that nap.

Edit:

Red Sox fans…don’t worry…all will be well…patience