For 2025, I am excited to incorporate a peer support process for my fellow christian nurses! I will be hosting an online weekly lunchtime drop in to herald the call of Nurses Honoring Nurses! I have been a member of Nurses Christian Fellowship (NCF) for many years and recently have been most involved with the prayer team last year. It has provided a great connection point for me to dedicate time in that group. Being from rural Arkansas, a widow, and in private practice, I personally experience a lot of solitude. Creating communities of connectedness and leading others well is something God has always allowed to flourish in many seasons of life with discovery, obedience, and fellowship. When I became a certified Faith Community Nurse (FCN) and learned about parish nursing, faith at work, the Westberg Symposium, the Church Health Center, and the Journal of Christian Nursing, these groups of nursing peers moved mountains of faith in practice. They are so inspiring! Wherever you are in your corner of the globe, consider being a leader in faith-fueled support. Sign up to my online group, it's totally free and serve!
Here are the details!
Nurse-led faith based peer support group for nursing professionals. Tuesdays Noon-12:30pm via google meets. This weekly online connection group is FREE membership for any licensed nurse (LPN, RN, APRN) in the U.S. Quarterly adventure meetups for self-care, professional development or honoring one another. The focus will be to destress, debrief and declare activities that ignite your continued passion for being a valued healthcare provider. Nurses Honoring Nurses is the mission! Group activities for creative arts expression, dance/movement, crafts, supporting causes, bibliotherapy, or animal-assisted adventures may have a small fee on occasion
Why do this?
In the demanding world of healthcare, nurses often find themselves at the intersection of physical care and emotional support. As they navigate the complexities of patient needs, the integration of spiritual care into nursing practice has emerged as a vital component that not only enhances patient outcomes but also nurtures the well-being of nurses themselves. Faith-based nursing support groups play a crucial role in this journey, providing a sanctuary where nurses can connect, share experiences, and grow in their spiritual and professional lives.
The Importance of Spiritual Care in Nursing
Spiritual care is recognized as an essential aspect of holistic nursing. It involves addressing the spiritual needs of patients alongside their physical and emotional health. Research indicates that when nurses receive training in spiritual care, they are better equipped to meet patients' spiritual needs effectively, leading to improved healing and reduced anxiety for patients facing health crises [1][3]. This holistic approach not only benefits patients but also fosters a deeper sense of purpose and fulfillment among nurses.
Nurses provide spiritual support through various means:
- Therapeutic Presence: Being fully present with patients during difficult times offers comfort and reassurance.
- Active Listening: Engaging with patients by listening attentively allows nurses to understand their concerns and emotional states.
- Facilitating Expression: Encouraging patients to express their beliefs helps them find meaning and hope in their experiences [1][5].
The Role of Faith-Based Support Groups
Faith-based nursing support groups create a nurturing environment where nurses can explore their spirituality while supporting one another. These groups emphasize community, advocacy, and empowerment—core values that resonate deeply within the nursing profession. By participating in these groups, nurses can experience several benefits:
1. Emotional Support: Sharing experiences with fellow nurses who understand the unique challenges of the profession fosters a sense of belonging and reduces feelings of isolation.
2. Spiritual Growth: Engaging in discussions about faith and spirituality allows nurses to deepen their understanding and practice of spiritual care, enhancing their ability to support patients holistically.
3. Professional Development: Many faith-based groups offer educational resources, workshops, and networking opportunities that help nurses grow both personally and professionally [2][4].
4. Resilience Building: Regular participation in supportive environments can help nurses develop resilience against burnout and moral distress, which are prevalent in high-stress healthcare settings [3][9].
Practical Strategies for Integrating Spiritual Care
To effectively incorporate spiritual care into daily nursing practice, here are some practical strategies:
Spiritual Care Huddles: Implement brief team meetings focused on discussing spiritual care practices can enhance empathy and communication among staff while addressing moral distress [3].
Training Programs: Pursuing specialized training in spiritual care can equip nurses with the skills needed to assess and respond to patients’ spiritual needs adequately [1][7].
Resource Sharing: Utilizing resources from organizations like the Faith Community Nurse Network can provide valuable tools for integrating faith into health promotion efforts [2][4].
As we continue to navigate the complexities of healthcare, it is essential to recognize the profound impact that faith-based support can have on nurses. By fostering connections through faith-centered communities, we not only support each other but also enhance our ability to provide compassionate care to our patients. In this journey where faith meets care, we can truly support nurses—one heart at a time.
Joining a faith-based nursing support group is more than just participation; it is an investment in our well-being as caregivers, ensuring that we remain grounded, resilient, and capable of providing holistic care to those we serve.
--Nurse Nikol
Citations: (Open Source: Perplexity AI)
[6] https://ncfi.org
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