Discussion Board helps you dig deeper into JCN content, offering ideas for personal or group reflection with other nurses-great for Nurses Christian Fellowship student chapters or nurse fellowship groups!
Camp Nursing
Schmidt 90-97.
1. The author writes: "Camp nursing is a specialty in its own right and is a unique opportunity for nurses..." Are you willing to try out camp nursing? What aspects would make you pause or hesitate to sign a camp nurse contract?
2. If you could serve in a faith-based camp setting, how do you envision applying your faith to camper and staff interactions and situations?
3. In her sidebar about working in the PICU and with foster kids at camp, author Hui-wen Sato reflected on "how we as not just nurses, but humans in the community, might prevent these young ones from being that next awful code in our unit. This experience at camp showed me a glimpse of what that kind of prevention, that human connection, might look like." How might camp nursing amplify your nursing perspective or vision?
4. From the information on self-care, what points can you apply to your current nursing role? Where could you become more assertive or consistent in caring for yourself currently?
5. Consider Psalm 59:16: "For you have been my refuge, a place of safety when I am in distress" (NLT) in relation to camp nursing. How could God be your refuge? How could God allow you to be a refuge or place of safety for others?
Child Abuse and Nonsuicidal Self-injury (NSSI):
Read Overton, 104-111 and Moore and Bauer, 98-103.
1. Overton writes, "Nurses must report when they 'reasonably suspect' or 'have reason to believe' that abuse has occurred; proof is not necessary" (Child Welfare Information Gateway, 2019). Why might nurses hesitate to report?
2. Discuss family-centered care and steps to decrease additional abuse. What is the main goal of family-centered care?
3. Discuss: "Recognizing and addressing the need for self-care can help nurses avoid burnout and have the resources to continue nursing as ministry to children experiencing abuse."
4. Moore and Bauer note that technology-based care is often preferred for youth with nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI); yet, a trusting relationship is crucial. Discuss this tension.
5. The authors write, "Providers can offer patients the permission to discuss NSSI without the fear of judgment or rejection related to their self-harm." How do you build relationships with patients to engender trust?
6. Review the Bible study material written for those who self-harm: http://www.freebiblestudyguides.org/bible-answers/self-injury-understanding-over.
7. Self-hate is often an issue in NSSI. Consider how to use Jeremiah 31:3 as a talking point: "I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness" (NIV).
How Can I Nudge Posttraumatic Growth?
Read Taylor, 126.
1. Describe your experience caring for patients who have posttraumatic stress. What have you observed? Would you have recognized symptoms without a medical history to review?
2. The author cites Tedeschi & Calhoun (2008), noting five areas of posttraumatic growth. What are the five areas and how might growth be seen in each? Select one factor and write a care plan accordingly.
3. Reframing trauma is important for growth. What questions might be employed? How does reframing set the tone for growth?
4. Do you have personal experience with trauma? What are your triggers? In what areas are you aware of personal growth or the need to grow?
5. The author notes the importance of positive religious coping. She asks, "How is God inviting me to greater understanding?"
6. Read and reflect on Psalm 91. What truths reinforce God's presence in difficult times? "When he calls to me, I [God] will answer him. I will be with him in trouble. I will rescue and honor him," Psalm 91:15 (ESV). Consider growth with God on your side in these ways.
Compiled by Karen Schmidt and Cathy Walker