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Everyday Advocacy: Advocating for patients regardless of religion

"My Christian faith is why I came to St. Joseph's, but my professional goal is to advocate for all my patients regardless of religious faith."

Cheryl Peterson, MSN RN

An elderly gentleman was admitted to our CCU at St. Joseph's in severe CHF. His wife was with him. I made him comfortable and looked at his chart: "Do Not Resuscitate," it said.

His wife stood in the corner knowing this was the terrible moment that the cardiologist had said was coming soon.

I asked if I could call one of our nuns to be with her. St. Joseph's is a Catholic hospital, and our nuns are chaplains, available to any patient who requests their presence.

"No thank you. We're Jewish," she responded. It was then that I saw the Star of David pendant on a chain around her neck. I offered to call her rabbi.

"You'll do that?" she asked.

"Of course," I said.

My Christian faith is why I came to St. Joseph's, but my professional goal is to advocate for all my patients regardless of religious faith. I believe all patients deserve that care.