Read Personal Stories
In the pediatrics ward at Kaiser Permanente I had rounded on a young baby girl with recurrent urinary infections whose mother showed tremendous concern and worry. Through the course of our conversation I felt it would be appropriate to offer prayer for the mother and her child in order to provide for their spiritual care. The mother agreed and I offered a short prayer for God to comfort and lead. That afternoon my attending confronted me saying the nurse had told her I had prayed with the patient. My attending stated in no uncertain terms that it was against Kaiser policy to pray with patients and that I was not to engage in prayers for my patients again. I was so taken aback that such a policy could exist that I had no words of response; but at that moment did feel quite offended. I thank Jesus for his words of encouragement, "Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." Matt 5:10. How could I work for an institution that actively forbids the prayers of it's physicians for their patients? I cannot and will not.
Gregory S.
Redlands, CA
Back
