After reading the “Heavenly Man” this past summer, I received an email that caught my attention: “Job Alert: Full/Part time nurse practitioners for Department of Corrections….”
Prominent themes that ensued after discussions with friends and family included “What about your safety?” “Aren’t you afraid?” or “ What are you thinking?” However, when I nonchalantly brought up the idea of working in the prison with my mother, she didn’t skip a beat -“Gina, they need to know the Lord.” My surprised, immediate response, “Yes, Mom, you are right.” I was so shocked, but her statement moved me and caused me to pray more.
Despite my fears, hesitations, and the stigma associated as a “prison nurse practitioner,” I decided to take the position. I wish I could say that I am sharing the Gospel and praying with my patients, and this is the best job ever. Instead, I have come to realize why there is such a high turnover rate for correctional providers. Even after two short weeks, I felt the social justice side of me rage within my soul (for security purposes, I am unable to share the specific stories). All I want to do at times is yell, “This is NOT the Ritz Carlton!” Unfortunately, more than once, this was a feeling I would experience over and over again.
On my commute home after one exhausting day, my thoughts raced…there are over 44 million people who are uninsured and more who are underinsured. How can prisoners receive treatment for hepatitis, HIV/AIDS, cancer, and whatever disorder for a minimal cost while so many just suffer, go in debt, or die because they don’t have healthcare?? How is this fair Lord? Then at that moment, at the top of my anger, I heard the song Amazing Grace by Chris Tomlin. I was so humbled and in my tears, I realized that God had spoken. Truly, it’s about His amazing grace, I once was lost, but now I’m found…my chains are gone, I’ve been set free, my God, my Savior has ransomed me… this amazing grace is available for all.
Through this experience and I’m sure many more to come, I know that God is teaching me to be more compassionate, helping me to see people through a spiritual lens, and training me for the future. For many, they are grateful to receive medical treatment for this is the first time they have ever received healthcare services. Even though my heart is challenged each time I work, my attitude is different as I walk through those locked doors as I am constantly reminded of His grace…that amazing grace, that has come to set us free. It is this grace that I pray that each person would experience during his time in or out of prison. Use me O Lord to whatever capacity to live by your grace, to show your grace to others, and to bring you glory…