Nurses and Poetry: A Benedictine Confluence of Art and Healing

Yes, there are nurses that write poetry. This amalgamation of artistic and medical fields provides a unique insight into the experiences and emotions that shape the lives of both healers and patients. Among them, Muriel Murch, Cortney Davis, and Judy Schaefer have notably contributed to the anthology Between the Heartbeats (1995) and The Poetry of Nursing (2006).

Collaborations in Poetry

These exceptional individuals have collaborated with one another and other nurses at various notable events. For example, in 2014, a group of poets including Jeanne Bryner, Cortney Davis, Veneta Masson, Judy Schaefer, and Muriel Murch performed at the “Narrative Bridge Conference” at The Medical University of North Carolina as part of a performance titled “The Nurse Poets.” This event, a celebration of poetry within the nursing profession, demonstrates the rich tapestry of stories and emotions shared by healthcare practitioners.

Freedom and Surprise in Poetry

The writing of poetry offers individual poets a profound sense of freedom. According to one nurse-poet, poetry provides the means to explore the unexpected, much like the element of air, which allows the poet to soar and navigate the currents of inspiration.
Another nurse-poet, Judy Schaefer, has edited numerous volumes of poetry written by nurses, including The Poetry of Nursing (2006), Between the Heartbeats (1995), and Intensive Care (2003). Her work Wild Onion Nurse (2010) further elaborates on the experiences and thoughts of nurses through poetry and prose.

Poetry in the Lives of Nurses

Poetry offers a distinct form of expression that stands apart from narrative fiction. For many nurses, writing poetry allows for a deeper emotional and contemplative exploration of their experiences. It provides an outlet for the complex emotions and vivid moments that cannot always be captured in prose. Poetry can be turned back upon itself, becoming a reflection on the act of writing and the emotions it evokes.

Additional Contributions to the Field

Denise Levertov, a notable figure, was both a nurse during World War II and a renowned poet. While her work may not directly relate to nurses in the contemporary sense, her contributions highlight the enduring intersection between arts and healthcare. Judy Schaefer, in particular, has been instrumental in bringing the work of nurse poets to the forefront. Her editing of The Poetry of Nursing, Between the Heartbeats, and Intensive Care not only highlights the narrative and emotional depth of nursing but also celebrates the creative contributions of nurses.

The language of poetry speaks to the heart, providing a powerful tool for nurses to share their stories, emotions, and reflections. As the field of nursing continues to evolve, the writers among them play a crucial role in documenting and interpreting their experiences through poetic forms. This blend of art and healing enriches the broader discourse on the practice and profession of nursing.