Ps 25:21 May integrity and honesty protect me, for I put my hope in you.

Integrity is vital in health care, and a good work ethic produces dependability, loyalty and trustworthiness. During the mid-1990’s there was a shortage of NICU nurses. Other nurses encouraged me to work extra shifts at other hospitals through nursing agencies. I worked all the local hospitals and became known as “one who will never shirk responsibility.” Many times hospitals requested me but I was already booked elsewhere.

One day, a consulting surgeon at a large teaching NICU refused to follow a procedure properly. As a patient advocate, I refused accessibility to the baby. He became loud, screaming that he didn’t know me and he could do anything he wanted and would report me for insubordination. The Neonatal Nurse Practitioner approached and after hearing from the doctor she informed him that she knew me and if I said there was a problem with the proposed procedure then she would not allow it either.

The surgeon was furious and reported us both. The outcome? The chief neonatologist, who knew me agreed with us and reported the surgeon to the Board of Ethics. I never imagined standing up for my patient’s rights would show the impact God’s precepts of life had made in me. By following Christ I have integrity. Because of my work ethic those involved never hesitated to back me up. Another cardiac surgeon came the next day and the procedure went smoothly. The baby recovered rapidly and went home to her loving family.

Jena Kleinpeter‘s Word of the Day is a work in progress. She hopes to publish a 365 day devotional on the book of Psalms. Visit https://jenakleinpeter.com/ for more devotions in Psalms.