Nursing Considerations When Caring for a Catholic Patient

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Infant Baptism: According with the Catholic Church, when a baby is in danger of death a mother may request a member of the staff to contact the chaplain to baptise the child. (The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England & Wales, 2012). This sacrament involves the pouring of water over the child, while invoking the trinity (father, son and Holy Spirit), catholic believe that this sacrament enable them to share the life of Jesus Christ and to be members of the church. (Trigilio & Brighenti, 2011). The chaplain may request sterilised water in a small container and ask for privacy around the family. In an emergency when a chaplain is not available, any baptised adult may carry the ceremony, when an emergency baptism is performed, the chaplain must be notified. Sometimes in danger of death and adult may request to be baptised. (The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England & Wales, 2012). Holy Communion to a Dying Patient: When a holy communion is administered to a dying patient it is called “Viaticum” for the food of the journey. Anointing of the Sick: Catholics see dying as the most important of life, “the final step in going to the house of the father”. (McQueen, 2009, Pag. 75). So the dying person deserves to have all assistance possible to make sure that the last days are as rich as possible. Anointing of the sick is a Sacrament that Catholics received when they are seriously ill, it is administered by a catholic priest who brings specially blessed oils and anoints the patient on the head and hands while saying some special prayers: the patient is reminded of the compassion of Jesus, for people who are sick the oil is associated with strength given for the journey towards healing and recovery or death. (Trigilio & Brighenti, 2012). This sacrament is associated with confession and receiving the

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