Virtual Ministry Connects Nursing Students

There are nearly 200 students in the nursing school at Rose State College in Oklahoma -- and more than 150 (75%) have opted in to the campus chapter of Nurses Christian Fellowship. Here is how one faculty advisor uses web ministry to affect the lives of nursing students.

"We have a vibrant online community that reaches most of our nursing students," said Debbie Craig, the NCF Faculty Advisor. "Every week I post a Scripture verse or devotional material. They share their needs for prayer with each other. I always respond personally so they know they are cared for. It opens their eyes to how God is working."

All students at Rose State are connected to the school's network, Desire2Learn. New students in the nursing program have orientation in the fall and spring, and Debbie is given an opportunity to tell them about the NCF group. She explains how to join online as a place to share prayer needs and find support with others who care.

The online group makes it much easier to schedule meetings for the NCF chapter. "It's always a challenge for nursing students to find time to meet together because of clinical rotations and rigorous schedules," said Debbie. "The online group makes communication so much easier."

Students in the NCF chapter actively pursue a greater mission to others. Some of the nursing students who had a rotation on a psych unit noticed that the patients needed clothing, so they held a clothing drive. The school group that donated the most pounds of clothing got a free pizza party. The students have also been creative in raising money to partner with a local mission and by collecting used clothing and eyeglasses for the mission group to take to an underserved community in Mexico.

Debbie finds a lot of joy in her role as NCF Faculty Advisor. "I love encouraging nursing students! I have open office visits and students know they can stop by and talk with me," Debbie said. "God has given me a variety of experiences in my life and I share my journey with them so they know they're not alone."

As a new school year begins, Debbie Craig is on a mission to love nursing students for Jesus -- whether in person or online. She will meet them anywhere, and that's a virtual reality.