"Nursing is an art: and if it is to be made an art, it requires an exclusive devotion as hard a preparation as any painter’s or sculptor’s work; for what is the having to do with dead canvas or dead marble, compared with having to do with the living body, the temple of God’s spirit? It is one of the Fine Arts: I had almost said, the finest of Fine Arts." ~Florence Nightingale
There is doubt that Florence considered her work a calling as she was a true healer who touched the lives of many with Radical Loving Care (RLC). She understood the delicate balance between science and art and the importance of human dignity. Her contributions had a profound impact in the advancement of nursing practice. We celebrate nurses during the month in which, she was born as a fond remembrance of her dedication. We would also like to acknowledge all the caregivers who are there for their loved ones day in and day out. We honor you with this prayer written by Jean deBlois, CSJ.
Jesus (God, Giver of Breath), you are the Healer
who calls all nurses to serve and to care for people in your name.
As we carry out this holy ministry, be with us,
bless us with the wisdom of your Holy Spirit and fill us with the compassion
that allows us to put the needs of those we serve before all else.
In the midst of this highly technological and often impersonal age
let us not forget that nursing is fundamentally about being with people in need.
It is about touch … a listening presence … a willing and compassionate heart that sees beyond symptoms and signs of illness
to a person in need and to their community of concern.
Help us to embrace the charism that is nursing … to make it our own and in so doing to bring your healing presence into the lives of people in need.
In your holy name we pray.
Amen. ‐Jean deBlois, CSJ
Is there a nurse who has touched your life? Perhaps you a nurse? Who was your role model? Have you reflected on your profession and what gives meaning to the work you do? Maybe you did not go to nursing school but you have learned the art of nursing by caring for someone you love? Share a thought, a word an idea, or the love in your heart….
Contributed by Liz Sorensen Wessel
Journal of Sacred Work 
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