Nurses have a heart for learning. It grows out of a natural curiosity as we treat, teach, and care for others. It’s putting together the pieces of an assessment that begins with a patient’s story as we create a plan of care. It’s part of our commitment to maximize the outcomes for the students, individuals, families and communities we serve. Our passion for learning is God-given and reflects the image of the Creator.
Each time I graduated from a nursing program, one of the greatest benefits I took was the knowledge that my thought process and mindset had been expanded. I didn’t look at myself or my practice in the same way. The exposure to new content, research, exploring my own beliefs and thoughts, as well as the feedback of faculty and peers left me different than before and reminded me of how much there was still to learn.
As nurses, we have many opportunities to cultivate our learning through continuing education, degree completion, pursuing higher levels of education at the masters and doctoral level, or becoming certified in our areas of practice.
There are also opportunities for us to grow within our practice as members of committees and work groups where our voice is needed in areas such as ethics, quality and safety initiatives, policy development, and clinical practice. With each opportunity, we also bring our faith as part of who we are into the work we do.
Our faith can be observed because we embody Jesus’ light. Jesus said to his followers—including you and I—
You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:14-16.
As believers it is just as important for us to learn and to grow in our faith as it is in our professional development. We should not separate who we are. We are men and women who are wholly His: mind, body, and spirit. And we are called to serve Him and others with all that we are.
There will be times in our professional and personal lives when we feel lonely or isolated. Those feelings do not diminish the truth of the Light that is a part of our lives. We can take heart and be strengthened knowing the light of who Jesus Christ is will always be there.
This post is excerpted from “Professional Practice: Let Your Light Shine,” a Bible study written by Christy Secor, DNP, RN, CDWF, Interim Director and Professional Ministries Director of Nurses Christian Fellowship. Access the full Bible study along with other studies and professional and faith-based resources on the NCF website.
Add new comment