The Torch, Spring/Summer 2010

Spring–Summer 2010 | TORCH 23 YANIK CHAUVIN | ISTOCKPHOTO this deficiency will only grow. At the same time, a shortage of faculty means nursing schools will struggle to graduate enough students to meet the demand. Funding for nursing education and nursing faculty loan repayment has been proposed in order to offset the current and projected nursing shortage. Furthermore, federal grant money will be set aside for the education and support of public health nurses who practice in under-served areas. Ministry of Hope There is significant controversy over the impact that the law could have on a woman’s access to elective abortion. While the legislation does not change nursing scope of practice, it does have implications for those who receive nursing care. The American Nurses Association defined nursing, in part, as “the alleviation of suffering through the diagnosis and treatment of human response.” So, while registered nurses may not diagnose a specific disease, we do intervene to help people have healthy responses to various emotional, spiritual, and physical conditions. If the legislation leads to an increase in the number of elective abortions, then it would be logical to conclude that more women, men, children, and families will suffer the negative consequences of this action. In response, Christian nurses must be prepared to provide compassionate care to these individuals and point them to hope and restoration in Christ. Doors of Opportunity Needless to say, the face of health care in the United States is rapidly changing and will continue to do so. But in the midst of these changes, at least one thing will remain the same: Christian nurses will still have an open door to share the Gospel with their patients and families. Nothing in the legislation denies nurses their right to provide spiritual care, pray with their patients, offer abstinence education, or counsel against abortion. In addition, hospitals, clinics, and other health care agencies will not be required to provide abortions in order to qualify for federal money or reimbursement, nor will nurses have to participate in abortions in order to keep their jobs. We are still free to preach good news to the poor, proclaim freedom to the prisoners, and provide release for the oppressed (Luke 4:18). Furthermore, the legislation offers money to educate more nurses and nursing faculty without excluding programs grounded in biblical truth. Women and men who are called to use nursing as a ministry for Christ still have the option of attending Christian institutions, like Cedarville University, to pursue their nursing education. And greater funding and reimbursement for nurse practitioners and nurse midwives means that our spheres of influence — as nurses and community leaders — can be broadened. Regardless of the changes ahead, our mission as nurses will remain the same. With that in mind, let us continue to pray for “kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness [as] this is good and pleases God our Savior” (1 Tim. 2:2–3). Dr. Sharon Christman serves as associate professor of nursing at Cedarville University. She received her B.S.N. from Cedarville and her M.S.N. and Ph.D. from The Ohio State University. She has been at Cedarville since 1997.