Nikol Hamilton participates in NCF’s weekly Sunday virtual prayer gathering. Recently she expressed the value of NCF in her life and nursing practice.
The Journal of Christian Nursing (JCN) has been instrumental in sustaining me both personally and professionally on my journey. Through its integration of faith into nursing practice, JCN provides me with invaluable resources that have enriched my spiritual life and furthered my professional skills and networking with other Christian nurses.
I expectantly look for the maildrop and know that every issue will have some encouragement, inspiration, or validation from God in it for me! These articles frequently feature stories about nurses who stepped out in faith and remind me that nursing is a calling, not just a job. It has deepened my relationship with God and given me a sense of significance for my daily work.
The journal's focus on spiritual care has challenged me to make time for prayer and reflection, which has helped me to better relate both to my patients and my personal faith walk. I joined the NCF prayer team as intentional self-care and connection. I’m a widow living in a rural area, and having online access to others who are prayerful and relational is the greatest gift of fellowship. Being surrounded by others bold in the blessing of prayer has given me confidence and a heart of joy. We are meant to be in community! Matthew 18:19-20 is applicable: “Where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them."
The monthly prayer calendar is a great resource! I recently started following the NCF on the Bible App @ Youversion and love sharing in the digital reach of faith and disciplining my heart of Bible study.
Professionally, JCN has provided me with current issues in nursing, ethical dilemmas, and best practices from a biblical perspective. These insights from the journal have not only improved my clinical skills but have also taught me how to handle difficult situations using a faith-based approach. Learning holistic care from a Christian worldview perspective has thus enabled me to treat patients holistically with an unapologetic faith-filled fuel in my private practice. Remembering everyone is made in God's image, the journal implores dignity and worth as a staple of compassionate care.
Overall, JCN has sustained me in many dimensions: spiritually, personally, and professionally. It remains a vital source of guidance to my practice that bolsters my faith and reminds me that I am part of something greater than myself, serving others in the love of Christ. JCN is a lead resource in my life as a Christian nurse, allowing me to appreciate the scholarly review of the journal and feel in community even when siloed in a rural part of the nation.
Nikol Hamilton, MSN, APRN, PMHNP-BC, LNC, FCN, is an integrative clinician and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner in Arkansas.
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