What Lies Ahead?
Volume 21, Number 3 Summer 2004
Editorial
What Lies Ahead? by Kathy Schoonover-Shoffner
JCN's new editor addresses what the future holds for nursing. Schoonover-Shoffner examines nursing issues from a Christian vantage point. She asks readers to think about how they can be used by God to impact the future.
The Future of Nursing
Postmodernism and Nursing: After the Honeymoon by Dónal P. O'Mathúna
O'Mathúna defines postmodernism in an understandable presentation, including a glossary of terms. Next, the author challenges readers to evaluate the implications of postmodernism for nursing.
Pipedream or Possibility: Six Steps to Transform Your Workplace by Mary Thompson
Thompson suggests six strategies for changing the nursing environment and presents a Christian perspective on each: 1) Mutual respect; 2) Teamwork, support and collaboration; 3) Focus on patients; 4) Emphasis on learning; 5) Mentor young nurses; and 6) Value the spiritual dimension of nursing.
Crystal Ball or Science? Looking for Nursing's Preferred Future by Kathy Schoonover-Shoffner
Futuristic technologies coupled with shortages of nurses and dollars will dramatically change health care. Schoonover-Shoffner examines four scenarios for Christian nurses to consider: the possible future, the plausible future, the probable future and the preferable future. Then, as Christian nurses, consider the prophetic future that God can make happen.
Global Leaders Cast a Vision for Nursing A JCN Interview
Seven international nursing leaders share their vision for nursing. Sr. Mary Elizabeth O'Brien, Beverly Malone, Virginia Ohlson, Sr. Rosemary Donley, Charlotte Eliopoulos, Susie Kim and Mary Thompson share a strategic message to help nurses recapture and reignite the vision of nursing as a ministry for Jesus Christ.
Let's Get Informed and Involved: We Can Make a Difference by Hila J. Spear
Spear challenges Christian nurses to take a stand on issues and be proactive. Implementation of five steps gets one started. 1) Write letters to state and federal representative; 2) Write to the editors of local and regional nursing journals; 3) Be informed of the issues; 4) Join a professional organization and 5) Consider being part of Nurses Christian Fellowship.
Thinking Big: NCF-Past, Present & Future by Kamalini Kumar
God is giving a dynamic vision to the leaders of Nurses Christian Fellowship, continuing a long tradition of thinking big.
Your Nursing Career: By Design or Default? by Becky Brodin
Brodin sees three styles of nursing careers: 1) Stay-put nurses, 2) Smorgasbord nurses and 3) Stair-stepper nurses. Each nurse must intentionally decide between living a career by design or by default.
The Nursing Shortage
Come and See: Nursing Camp as a Recruitment Tool Ruby Englund and Sarah R. Nuttbrock
Seattle Pacific University is using a week-long summer camp to recruit high school students to a career in nursing. The nursing camp allows campers to encounter the real world of nursing and the diversity of opportunities within nursing.
The Nightingale Experience: Introducing High Schoolers to Modern Nursing by Kim Riffel and Dianna Koerner
Fort Hayes State University in Hays, Kansas, introduces high school students to nursing through a two-day event known as The Nightingale Experience. The goal is for participants to connect with nursing students and to visualize themselves in the future of nursing.
Nurturing the Nursing Spirit by Kim Riffel, Jane Anthony Peterson, Carolyn Insley
The authors describe the positive side effects of a nurturing nursing environment, as experienced in a Christian support group for nursing student and faculty at Fort Hays State University, Hays, Kansas.