Nurse Case Manager
I called Mr. G. to introduce myself as his case manager from the veteran’s clinic. He had returned to assisted living after his recent stay in the nursing home, so I asked him how he felt.
“I wish I was still in the nursing home. They were so nice to me there. I won’t take any pills until Jane, my VA nurse, comes here and puts them in my pill box.”
“Mr. G, the Medicare nurse has to see you for a few weeks until you are stable and then Jane will return.”
“But I don’t like the Medicare nurse! I love Jane. She’s wonderful. I fought in World War 2 for this country during the best years of my life. If it weren’t for guys like me, you would be speaking German or Japanese right now. I should be given the nurse I want. Why are you dumping me now?” he shouted.
I took a deep breath and prayed silently, “Dear Lord, give me the right words for this dear veteran. Help me to explain the rules to him.” “Jane is only permitted to see you once or twice a month for health maintenance visits. Please let the other nurse come visit you for a few weeks until you are stable, and then Jane will return. If you don’t like the Medicare nurse, call me and I will ask the agency to send a different one.”
“Well, OK. If that’s how it has to be. I’m so lonely ever since my wife died and went to heaven. I’ll be glad when I see the Lord Jesus Christ and her again. Thank you for your help, Pam. You’re OK. Could I tell you one more thing? God loves you, and so do I.”
My eyes filled with tears. “I love you too, Mr. G.” I hung up the phone and prayed,
Dear Heavenly Father, Thank you for all our veterans who served our country. Thank You for the freedom I have in the USA. Bless, strengthen, and protect our troops around the world. Amen.
Mr. G.’s desire to see His Savior and wife came true the next year when he died at the age of 93.
May we all be good soldiers of the cross for the Lord Jesus Christ in our daily spiritual warfare and echo with the Apostle Paul, “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith; Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day; and not to me only, but unto all them also that love His appearing.” 2 Timothy 4:7-8
Pamela's Nursing Reflections 