The Proverbs 31 nurse

[Nursing ideals written for High School English Class. Honor a special nurse by reading this poem to her or him (change gender in poem) as a tribute!]

Who can find a good-natured nurse?
For her price is far above silver and gold.
Those with whom she works
do safely trust in her,
for she will do her duty well.

She seeks medicines and skills,
and works willingly to help others.
She is like the dedicated servant;
she gives of herself
and considers her own desires last.
She rises while it is yet night
and gives aid to the sick
and comfort to the sorrowing.

A heartwarming smile is hers,
and she uses it;
from her heart it comes,
and is made beautiful in her eyes.

She girds herself with honor
and strengthens her ability with patience.
She perceives that her work is good.

Her candle does not go out by night.
She lays her hands upon understanding.
She stretches out her hand to the poor;
yes, she reaches forth hands to the needy.

She is not afraid of sorrow,
for her trust is in God.
Pride and humility are her clothing,
and she shall rejoice in time to come.

She opens her mouth with comfort,
and in her tongue is the law of kindness.
She busies herself helping others
and does not allow herself to be idle.

Her associates rise up and call her blessed;
her patients also and they praise her kindness.
Many daughters have helped others,
but you excel them all.
Favor is deceitful, and beauty is vain,
but a nurse that fears the Lord,
she shall be praised.
Give her the fruit of her hands
and let her own works praise her
in the halls of nursing.

:: by Lois Sigmon Turley, RN

I originally wrote the above poem for a High School English class. I was a young aspiring would-be nurse. We were required to write something in the literary style of the KJV Christian Bible. I have updated it to use more modern words here rather than the archaic KJV rendering.

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