Compassion in the Workplace
by Jill Cole
“But what about the lady with cancer, what about her?” was vividly what I remember from 25 years ago in my early training, working in the Emergency Room as a resident. I only recall there WASN’T anything else we could do, and she was sent home. That heartbreaking event set the stage for what I would learn about compassion and where God was leading me in that journey.
Compassion is defined as “a deep awareness of and sympathy for another’s suffering.” The first person that comes to mind that meets that description perfectly is Jesus. Jesus showed compassion for the sick, the prostitutes, the tax collectors and others that were broken. So how can we as humans ever come close to being like that?! From my perspective, the only way to try to ‘do as Jesus would do,’ is to first have a genuine relationship with Him. “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves in compassion, kindness, gentleness, patience and humility” (Col. 3:12). Little did I know how important this verse would become in my daily prayer life taking care of the ill.
My decision to seek an occupation as an oncologist is a story for another time, but God amazingly opened those doors. Many would comment that taking care of cancer patients must be a depressing practice, but I surprisingly became the one humbled and blessed. I find cancer patients look at life differently as they cherish every moment, are always grateful for small acts of kindness, and are an inspiration in their faith as they walk through their sickness and pain. Most patients with a positive outlook are Christians who do not blame God and set their eyes on the prize of eternal hope. What a testimony that is as they also help other patients in their walk-through cancer! This reminds me of 1 Peter 3:8, “Finally, all of you live in harmony with one another, be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble.”
Taking care of the ill and showing compassion can be challenging and does take an army of committed individuals. Many patients are angry and overwhelmed with their diagnosis. They see changes in their physical health and bodily image, inability to work adding to financial stress, and emotional swings of anxiety and depression. An example is a young patient with metastatic prostate cancer who had worked all his life until his bone pain was too great to continue. He tearfully told me in clinic what he hated most was going to the store in a wheelchair. He felt all eyes were on him and he was being judged as a fat, lazy person on disability. This opened my eyes to the fact we often judge before knowing another one’s story. This awareness can be the first step towards being compassionate.
There are many ways to show compassion: by simply being present for patients, by listening, attending chemotherapy appointments, or helping with home chores or caring for other family members. Nursing staff shows compassion by providing special foods and drinks, a warm blanket, and activities that can distract them from treatment. Social workers help with gas for transportation, getting patients plugged into a support group or yoga, and pastoral service is available to pray with patients and their families. These are all ways to help patients physically, emotionally, spiritually, and mentally in clinic; however, these work best when they are continued at home as many patients are too proud or embarrassed to ask for help from friends or family members.
As a health care professional, seeking Godly wisdom is so important in treating each individual patient, but is only half the battle. Without showing compassion as in Colossians 3:12, we rob those less fortunate of the eternal glory that waits for them. Giving glory to God for the good test result and emphasizing we are only helpers in their journey, is one way to open the door of eternal hope. As in 2 Corinthians 4:17-18, “For our light and momentary troubles far outweigh them all. So, we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” This is exactly what a young patient with metastatic pancreatic cancer said when she did not receive good results on her CT scan, “I just keep my eye on the prize.”
As a working mother, compassion is not only important at the hospital and clinic but also as a wife and mother. Fortunately, I am married to a wonderful Christian man who is also a physician and seeks God’s guidance. Raising young children and struggling with the guilt of not being present for your kids is a common scenario. To help our children, Abby and Alex, when they were very young to understand my occupation, I included them in my prayers for my patients. Ironically as time went on, they would often ask if “this very sick patient” knew Jesus and was saved? Sometimes that question would stab me in my heart and help me refocus my objective of treating the whole patient and not just their cancer.
I believe that showing compassion for the ill and suffering goes far beyond prescribing the right medicine or having the best treatment plan. Listening to the patient and family and giving credit to God in all circumstances is so important. Unfortunately, our busy world takes control of our schedules. I have frequently prayed silently in a patient’s room for extra time with a patient and God has always miraculously made that happen. Oh, the power of prayer!
We do not have to be in the business of healthcare to care for the sick and lonely. Many people have family and or friends that they help by running errands, fixing a meal, cleaning their home or yard, helping with transportation, or just being present. Consider how you can show compassion to those less fortunate whether family, friend, a neighbor, or a stranger by spending time listening and showing the love of Jesus. Colossians 3:12-17 is a great bit to memorize, one that encourages compassion and focuses on being the hands and feet of Jesus.
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
