Three nurses died and went to Heaven, where they were met at the Pearly Gates by St. Peter.

To the first, he asked, ``So, what did you used to do back on Earth? Why do you think you should be allowed to come into Heaven?''

``I was a nurse at an inner city hospital,'' she replied. ``I worked to bring healing and peace to many sufferers, especially poor, helpless children.''

``Very noble,'' said St. Peter. ``You may enter.'' And in through the Gates she went.

To the next, he asked the same question, ``So, what did you used to do?''

``I was a nurse at a missionary hospital in the Amazon basin,'' she replied. ``For many years, I worked with a skeleton crew of doctors and nurses who tried to reach out to as many people across numerous tribes, with a hand of healing and peace, and with the message about God's love.''

``How touching,'' said St. Peter. ``You, too, may enter.'' And in she went.

He then came to the last nurse, to whom he asked, ``So, what did you used to do back on Earth?''

After some hesitation, she explained, ``I was just a nurse at an HMO.''

St. Peter pondered this for a moment, and then said, ``Ok, you may enter, too.''

``Whew!'' said the nurse. ``For a moment there, I thought you weren't going to let me in.''

``Oh, you can come in,'' said St. Peter, ``but you can only stay for three days!''