PPE Prayer

by Chaplain Hadley Kifner, Pediatric Chaplain for UNC Health Care System

PPE (personal protective equipment) protects your body from exposure to a virus while you care for vulnerable patients. Protecting your mind and spirit is important while you work, too. You are valued and special; your skills are needed and appreciated. As you fulfill your duty to help others heal, your whole self is worthy of being healthy and strong, too. If you would like, incorporate the below into your practice as you don and doff PPE. They are from no particular spiritual tradition. They are written with courageous clinicians, you, in mind.

Donning Prayer

As you don each piece of your gear, take deep, grounding breaths and read these words below. You can also ask a colleague to read them aloud to you as you move through each step.

1. (Placing on gloves) May my hands be gentle and caring
2. (Slipping arms through the gown sleeves) May my arms be sturdy and strong
3. (Tying all of the ties on the gown) May my body be grounded in service
4. (Securing respirator/face mask) May my words offer encouragement
5. (Putting on face shield or goggles) May I see the person and not just a patient
6. (Entering patient room) May this encounter be safe and healing for all

Doffing Prayer

As you doff each piece of your gear, take deep, grounding breaths and read/have read these words:

1. (Removing and disposing of gloves) May what I offered be enough
2. (Untying and disposing of gown) May I release all stress and let it all go
3. (Exiting patient room) May I move on with clarity and purpose
4. (Performing hand hygiene) May I feel fresh and clean and safe
5. (Removing face shield or goggles) May I see through the lens of compassion
6. (Removing respirator/face mask) May I exhale and feel deep gratitude within