LAUSR

ABSTRACT This theological reflection is based on my experience as a nurse during the COVID-19 pandemic. In this paper I reflect on nursing as a hospitable practice, and examine the unique challenges which impact the provision of hospitable care during this pandemic. Hospitable nursing care is grounded in the hospitality of God as demonstrated through the healing care of Jesus, and in historical examples of Christian care of the sick during past epidemics. The paper examines the tensions experienced by nurses between adhering to protocol and extending hospitality. It concludes that while nursing during a pandemic is fraught with challenges, these can be overcome by a conviction that caring for one’s patient is rooted in the hospitality modeled by Jesus. The commitment to maintain proximity and touch, the gift of presence and life-giving words continue to be priorities for the nurse, especially during a pandemic.