Georgiansilver wrote: "You use the expression "a well meaning Christian" and I agree with you that is what this woman is...... but if she had been a person who believed that everything should be pristine clean and offered to clean the womans toilet... although it was not her duty to do so.... would there have been a problem? If she was someone who believed that good communication is important and offered to write a letter for the woman or made a phone call for her... again not her duty.... would there have been a problem?"

My honest opinion is that she shouldn't clean the toilet and unless it was medically-related matter (as in ringing the hospital &c), or if the person was physically able to use the phone, then she should not make the phone call either. The reason being is that if the patient was unable to do this kinds of things then, some kind of support/carer network would need to built around the patient. None of that is a nurse's job.

If she, the nurse, believed everything should be "pristine" and didn't think the house was tidy to her personal standards rather than it being some kind of issue regarding (lack of) personal hygiene because of mental or physical illness, then, frankly, that's tough shit. As with her religion, she should really keep her views to herself and not expect other people's lifestyles to on a par with hers. The same could be said about the idea of 'good communication' - she's a nurse - where is she qualified to say what 'good communication' is, other than her own personal belief? Is she a public speaker or expert in adult literacy or something?

Offering to pray for someone is a charitable thing to do and I admire the woman for offering... she can pray for me if I need healing anytime.........

So is knocking on an old person's door to see if they need any shopping. However, you don't do it at 12 o'clock at night - there's a time and there's a place.

I admire anyone with a generous heart whether it is considered from God or other.....

Again, this underlines the difference between 'good thoughts' and 'prayer'. I think everyone wants well-wishing or good thoughts, but when it comes in a religious form, not everyone is comfortable with the 'extra component'. Either because it's not appropriate in a particular environment - and, as bizarre as it may sound to you, not everyone thinks religion is appropriate everywhere - or it might even conflict on a theological level.