by Mary Ellen Pelkey RN, BSN, C. E - mail:  Redrealty1@aol.com

I have always recognized my spiritual call to nursing and my calling has made a difference in my practice.  Presently I am a staff nurse employed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs at the James J. Howard Out Patient Clinic in Brick, New Jersey.  In this capacity through direct nurse/veteran interactions I am in a position to promote health care and fulfill my role as an educator.  Providing care for the veteran is a unique opportunity to be able to experience nursing at its best.

In 1971, upon graduation from nursing school, I wanted to work for the VA. Our country was in turmoil over the Vietnam War and I wanted to care for our veterans.  Growing up in the military gave me a strong sense of patriotism.  I felt it would be an honor and a privilege to care for veterans.  However, East Orange, New Jersey seemed so far away.  It would take several years and many prayers before I would see my goal of caring for the veterans come to fruition.  Sometimes, life gets in the way of our aspirations and dreams.  We get so caught up in our day-to-day lives that we forget our heart’s desires. 

When the frustrating demands of working in a critical care unit at a local hospital would discourage me I would interview for positions elsewhere.  However, in spite of the demands of nursing that is associated with working in acute care I would never accept a position elsewhere when it was offered.  I made a difference and that was what was important.  

In 1985 when the James J. Howard Clinic was under construction I thought again about seeking employment with the VA.  Construction was delayed and East Orange once again seemed so far away.  Often I prayed, “Please God, help me to make a decision. What is it that you want me to do?”  I wanted a sign, an answer to my prayer.   It was several years before I got an answer.  Even when the answer to my prayer came I didn’t recognize it immediately.  

One day in 2000, a fellow parishioner at St. Pius Tenth Church in Forked River asked me why I didn’t work at the James J Howard Out Patient Clinic.  He volunteered for the VA and wanted me to know there was an opening for a registered nurse. On the way to the interview I thought why am I wasting my day off going on an interview?  I love my job and I have no intention of quitting at this time. 

Several weeks went by when early one morning the nurse recruiter called and offered me the position.  I immediately said yes without even thinking about it.   I knew in my heart, mind, and soul that it was the right thing to do.  My husband couldn’t believe what I had done. Resigning from a position that I loved, leaving the security of a place that had been a part of me for twenty-seven years. 

 Shortly after I began working at the clinic, I was walking through the lobby gazing at the veterans and I noticed our flag, the flag of the United States, when suddenly, I felt our Lord’s presence.  It was a spiritual awakening and I realized God had finally answered my prayer.  I pinched my arm to make sure this wasn’t a dream, I was experiencing God’s plan for me. 

Many years ago I used to be aware of God’s presence while bathing patients.  I always viewed bathing a patient as something special, sacred, and took great pleasure in it.   I believe it is by caring that we make a difference. God is using our hearts, hands and minds to do his work.  

 The veterans are an aging population with all the problems associated with aging - problems such as hypertension, diabetes, coronary artery disease and arthritis.  In addition, many carry emotional scars as a result of serving our nation in battle. Several experience schizophrenia, depression, and drug or alcohol addiction. I often feel aware of God’s presence when I am caring for veterans with mental or emotional problems. A man in his fifties recently told me he joined the Marines at age seventeen.  After two tours in Vietnam he came home wounded, feeling like an old man before his nineteenth birthday.  Veterans have expressed they are not afraid to die because they have already been to hell.  They share their feelings and personal experiences with me.  I think of these times as special nursing moments. A connection is made, and it is at these times when I am aware of God’s presence.  

I ascribe to the theory that nursing expertise is a source of power that often has a transformative influence on patient’s lives.  It is based on respect and connection with others. Our veterans deserve nothing less than care that is based on this philosophy.  I believe we can minister to them with warmth, conversation and compassion. 

Nursing, while caring for the physical, emotional, spiritual and psychological needs of patients is really a personal form of worship.  I am extremely proud to be a registered nurse because our work is love made visible. 

A priest friend told me that is was by divine intervention that I was given the opportunity to care for the veterans. I believe this is true, and my spirit is nourished by this opportunity.