Matthew 25:40 says “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” Healthcare professionals embody this bible verse. They serve all of God’s people, especially the hurt, the sick and the dying.
Linda Apen, a registered nurse, loves the verse Matthew 25:40. She has a passion for helping and serving people who are in need of care. In this interview, she said nursing is much more than just a job, describing it as her vocation.
Now, I am going to turn to the specifics of this interview that I conducted with Linda Apen, providing the questions and answers.
What inspired you to become a nurse?
When I was in grade school, my grandmother would take me to visit the elderly and sick in nursing homes, which helped me to get more familiar with the aspects of nursing as well as familiarity in interacting with patients. I would definitely say that I was drawn to nursing and healthcare from a young age. Later on, after high school, I got a job at a nursing home where I worked for four and a half years. I loved working in the nursing home, giving care to patients and talking with them; it was such a special experience. When I was in college, I got a degree in a different field, where I worked for a while, but I didn’t love it. I went back to school for nursing and it turned out to be my dream job.
Tell me about your job.
I am working as an RN at a skilled nursing facility within a convent that houses two floors of elderly Felician sisters. I am a charge nurse, so I independently run the floor and oversee all care. We do physical assessments, vital signs, wound care, medication administration, treatments and much more.
What do you like best about your job?
There are so many things! I love the sisters, they are such faithful and sweet women with so many interesting stories. I love the close relationships I have formed with the sisters and the all around family atmosphere at the convent. I love how the care is individualized and how it is also sort of old fashioned and holistic. I view the care as traditional bedside nursing that is very patient centered. This sort of care is almost rare these days, and it is exactly the kind of environment that I like to work in. I also like the autonomy that the nurse has, running the ship and making decisions.
What does a typical day look like in your position?
Upon arrival, I look at the 24 hour report, get a verbal report from the nurse who worked the past shift and I talk to the nurses aids. I count the controlled medicines, and pour medications for the sisters. Normally, I also make the rounds to check on the sisters as well. Throughout the day, I deal with whatever may come up, whether it be an emergency, or just something small like talking to the doctor.
What are the most rewarding parts of nursing?
Definitely developing a uniquely intimate relationship with people while caring for them. It is a mutual respect and bond. It is a gift and an immense honor to be able to serve people in the capacity that they are in. I always go back to the verse Matthew 25:40, “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”
What advice might you give to someone looking into nursing?
I would encourage everyone to pursue it. It is so much more than just a career. There are such a variety of things you can do with a nursing degree, and it is an extremely flexible job. You develop such a sense for nursing, and it is so enjoyable, especially if you enjoy science and anatomy. Plus there are great benefits to nursing, and it is just so rewarding.
These words and thoughts that Linda Apen has provided are truly a testament to how wonderful nursing is as a job, and how rewarding it is. Good nurses are so important, as they do the Lord’s work, caring for people in need.
