The Worth of Every Soul

We have a patient right now who has severe special needs. In my almost four years of CNA work now, she is one of two patients I have taken care of that have had special needs, and they require a whole different kind of care. They don't understand what we are doing to them, and often push back on the busy caregivers who try to quickly come in and out to do their work, which causes frustration on both ends. For a busy caregiver, this can be a huge frustration! We only have so much time to complete so much work, and if we don't get it done, patients suffer. On the other hand, you have a patient who can't understand why these strangers rush into her room, pull down her pants and want to change her bottom or have her roll on the bed. As you can see, conflict can arise, as such has been the case.

The other day during report the shift coming on was told by the previous shift that they couldn't get this patient to cooperate, she was fighting them, unpleasant, and should basically just be left in bed. They had given up. I watched the coworker who received this report take it as a challenge. The next time I spotted her she had pulled a chair up to the bedside of this sweet patient, turned on a Christmas movie, and was talking to her and playing with her. She spent the dinner hour with her, and when it came time to change this patient, all we had to do is ask her and encourage her. When I came in the room, this cute girl looked at me, smiled, and simply put out her hand to shake mine. :) What a difference from just hours before, all because of the efforts of one determined and kind hearted CNA.

"The worth of every soul is great in the sight of God". Every soul, as they should be to us as well. God loves every one of His children. No matter the patient, no matter their abilities or limitations, no matter their needs or problems, it is our job as caregivers to give the most loving and gentle care that we can give, the care the Savior would give if He were here. We are His hands, washed and gloved, as we go from room to room. One of the Savior's many wonderful qualities is that He never gives up on anyone. Had my wonderful coworker not taken the time to get to know this sweet little angel, or had paid attention to the report given to her, she, and I, would have missed out on getting to know this darling patient and missed out on feeling her beautiful spirit. She followed the example of our Savior, and for that example I was so grateful. The song "I'm trying to be like Jesus" comes into my head...

I'm trying to be like Jesus
I'm following in His ways
I’m trying to love as he did, in all that I do and say.
At times I am tempted to make a wrong choice,
But I try to listen as the still small voice whispers,

Love one another as Jesus loves you.
Try to show kindness in all that you do.
Be gentle and loving in deed and in thought,
For these are the things Jesus taught.

My hope for us is that we can all follow in Jesus' footsteps and be His hands as we enter rooms this week.