In This Issue:
- How Can We Fathom NCF’s Impact?
- THRIVE: What I Wish I Knew About Nursing School
- July Journal Club and the Next JCN!
- Long Work Hours Really Hurt You
- Improved NCF Member System!
- Mentorship
- Prayer Opportunities
- Summer Conferences
How Can We Fathom NCF’s Impact?
Kathy Schoonover-Shoffner, PhD, RN · NCF National Director, JCN Editor in Chief
NCF will complete our 20/21 fiscal year on June 30. What can I say about this past difficult COVID year of moving ministry online; trying to support struggling students, nurses, and educators; of sustaining / growing ministry? For me, these real life comments from those touched by NCF say it all...
- Another student walked up to me and said, “So tell me about this Jesus person.”
- Other faculty members--Christian and non-Christian alike--come to me for prayer because they know I lead NCF.
- This past year has been the toughest -- so much loss and pain. And the weird thing? I wouldn't trade it. NCF has been a huge part of my support and healing.
- NCF has become a lifeline as we meet to share, study God’s word, and pray together.
- We have seen God move as we have prayed together, cried together, and encouraged one another. We have grown relationally with each other and with the Lord.
WOW! This is what NCF is all about. Thank you for being a part of this ministry, for praying and sharing your life with us. Would you consider giving a year-end financial gift beyond your membership dues to help us meet our budget needs? Know we are praying for you!
THRIVE: What I Wish I Knew About Nursing School
NCF is super excited to offer a special event for all incoming nursing students on June 26, 2021. THRIVE: Getting Ready for Nursing School will offer a time of encouragement, equipping, and blessing for undergraduate and graduate nursing students to help them prepare for nursing school. We will hear from current students and faculty as they share in their own words, “What I wish I knew then about nursing school now...” THRIVE will be held Saturday, June 26 at 11:00 am ET, 10:00 CT, 9:00 MT, 8:00 PT. Register here to get links and materials for this informational and uplifting time together. Pass this on to as many incoming students as you can!! Email ncf@intervarsity.org with questions.
July Journal Club and the Next JCN!
Save the evening of July 29, 2021 for a fascinating Journal Club, On Defying the King: Peril and Pluck. Join NCF/JCN staff and ethicist, nurse, and minister Dr. Marsha Fowler who co-led the 2015 Nursing Code of Ethics revision. This journal club will be based on the July/September JCN Christian Ethics column by Dr. Fowler about moral courage in difficult contexts. You can earn 1.5 contact hours of free NCPD!
This next issue of JCN will be online and in your mailbox mid-June (if you get print). As always, great content and encouragement will be at your fingertips--including info on maternal health, advance care planning, aging parents, short-term missions, and more!
Long Work Hours Really Hurt You
A just released study by the World Health Organization (WHO) and International Labour Organization (ILO) found that people working long hours (≥55 hours/week) are at higher risk for ischemic heart disease and stroke. In 2016, 8.9% of the global population worked long hours, leading to 745,194 deaths and 23.3 million disability-adjusted life years. This means 3.7% of all deaths from ischemic heart disease and 6.9% from stroke were attributable to long work hours.
God’s plan for regular Sabbath rest (Exodus 16:23-29; 20:8) helps us avoid long work hours and improve health. Nurses can increase awareness of overwork health risks as well as practice and promote standard 35-40 hour work weeks.
Improved NCF Member System!
We’ve been working hard to bring you an easier way to enjoy your benefits and maintain your NCF membership. NCF’s RegFox platform lets you easily login to members-only content with just your email. The new system asks for your member number to gain access on benefits pages. However, all you need to do is a) enter your email, b) instantly receive your member number via email, and c) gain access to what you need. It’s super simple. When it’s time to renew, auto-renew will save you and NCF time and money!
Check out your NCF Member Benefits here!
Mentorship
Making a difference in the life of a new grad can happen in as little as an hour a month! There are so many complex situations our new grads face as they enter the workforce. Having a mentor to listen, pray, and support you through the challenges you face can impact your overall success as a nurse and your commitment to the profession. Mentors are able to remind mentees of the incredible calling we each have as nurses. Join NCF in making a difference by signing up to be a mentor here. You’ll find helpful resources to get you started in the process.
Read more about the difference made in the life of a new grad through the power of relationship with her mentor in NCF’s recent blog post on mentoring.
Prayer Opportunities
NCF offers many opportunities to join together in prayer. Check out these possibilities below:
Summer Conferences
Innovations in Faith-Based Nursing: June 21-24, 2021 on IWU’s beautiful campus in Marion, Indiana. Experience rich fellowship with nurse colleagues as you explore and discover new innovations for your practice. NCPD hours will be offered.
Nurses Christian Fellowship International Virtual World Congress-Opportunities and Challenges in Nursing Today-A Christ Centered Response: July 9 - 11, 2021. Join nurses from around the world virtually to be motivated, inspired, and encouraged in your nursing. The fee is only $50; no NCPD will be offered. Learn more here!
