Hypocrisy in the Emergency Room

“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites.

You pay tithes of mint, dill and cumin and have neglected the weightier things of the law: judgment, mercy and fidelity.

[But] these you should have done, without neglecting the others. Blind guides, who strain out the gnat and swallow the camel!”

                      Matthew 23:23–24

There is nothing worse than the hypocrite who writes about gnats while savoring steaks of char-grilled camel. In my weakness. I failed to respond to some of the below and beg the Father for forgiveness.

Inner city ER weekends, nights and holidays are the busiest. So staffing is modeled to match history. AI forecasts average volumes by: month, day, holiday, weekend and hour. But averages don’t reflect reality. In real time, groups texts are shot-gunned for all available hands-on deck and the usual stoics arrive. Outlier examples are below.

• The city bus drops off narcotic-seekers, some in withdrawal to see a famous “candy-man” provider on duty.

• The local college dorm has a run of rotavirus, norovirus, meningitis, mumps or insert contagious disease here _____.

• A nearby “Gentlemen’s Club” has a similar outbreak, only more secret.

• The nearest ER’s CT machine is down, so all patients are diverted to — guess who.

Management nurses are included on text messages, as a subtle hint for help; with no takers. Except for one evening.

One perfect Halloween, a large gathering of VIPs was celebrating at their rural ranch with hayrides. Members of two famous families were on a wagon pulled by a farm tractor along the shoulder of a county road, followed by two unrelated pickup trucks. They were approximately 330 ft from the end of the ride, arriving at a community hall where they would continue their family reunion for the weekend...

“Attempting to overtake, an impatient driver of a logging truck—hauling a 6-ton load of 20-foot hardwood logs—lost control as he passed. The entire load of logs tipped onto the tractor, hay wagon and two pickup trucks. Thirteen people were killed and 45 injured with many victims pinned and crushed. Five children were among those who died. Victims were transported to tertiary care hospitals, approximately 28 miles away.”

As customary, the pre-approved-worded group-text was sent out for help. Crickets from corporate. However, once the news hit social media, management lined the halls looking lost and getting in the way. Had they rotated weekend call or helped occasionally when texted, they would have known exactly where everything was and how to step up.

Hypocrisy in management strikes a sour chord when those entrusted to nurture front-line staff, appear attentive only amidst applause, cameras and VIPs. Managers by definition, are not leaders. Leaders embody dedication and service, especially when no one is looking. Selective-service not only erodes morale but undermines the very principles of trust and integrity, essential to health care and every other profession.

As Matthew advises above, authority requires more than theatrical presence. It requires solidarity, support and unwavering service—especially when no VIPs or cameras are present. It is in the everyday, quiet, uncompromising moments where we are called to be authentic—not in shallow spotlights, seeking public praise.

Prayer for Authenticity

Lord, strip away my mask of pride, and shadows where my faults abide.
Let truth ignite my very soul, and mercy make the broken, whole.
When lips speak love, but hands betray, draw me to Your narrow way.

Teach me service with heart sincere, to keep humility always near.
Forgive the times I’ve worn a crown while trampling over those, face down.
Grant me grace to service all, with authentic love to live your call.

Sources:

• Anonymous news source, all ID-info withheld to protect patient privacy.

• CCC (1997) Catechism of the Catholic Church (2nd ed.). Liberia Editrice Vaticana

• USCCB (n.d.). New American Bible Revised Edition. (NABRE).