Christian Worldview of Nursing
Although the science and art of nursing may have a different meaning to everyone, the
definition varies based on individualistic philosophy or worldview. One's worldview shapes the
way they think, behave, and act. Just as a man is defined by what he thinks, so can a nurse's act
be identified by their worldview. Our worldview shapes how we care for the sick and dying and
how we respond when challenged with critical issues. As Christian nurses, our act of service to
humanity reflects the state of our heart. A Christian worldview, therefore, means that my
studying of the Bible and belief influence my thinking. Nursing is calling that many have
embarked on due to its financial and social benefit. It is without a doubt that becoming a
competent nurse transcends beyond acquired skills of caring. Research nursing is a fantastic field
of work that does not yield immediate satisfaction but is needed to advance and improve health.
There is often a lack of compatibility seen by many between biblically informed doctrines and
science or research. I Work at a research clinic that performs first in human studies. We conduct
clinical trials for HIV, Ebola, Malaria, Zika, and Flu. It is often difficult to determine how my
Christian worldview fits into what I do daily. Discoveries begin with first in human studies
which is a requirement in other determine if vaccines, monoclonal antibodies, or different types
of medications are safe for humans. Without first in human studies, we may never be able to use
any drugs or products without safety concerns
As a research nurse, my commitment lies with ensuring that my patients are safe when
they take part in clinical research. Several safety measures are put in place to ensure that the
research we do does not cause undue harm to our volunteers. The Foods and Drugs
Administration (FDA) and the Institutional Review Board (IRB) ensures the conduction of safe
clinical research. The IRB is an administrative body established to protect the rights and welfare
of human research subjects recruited to participate in research activities. The IRB ensures that as
a nurse, I am abiding by the stipulations of a written consent that adequately spells out the risks
involved in participating in phase one studies. Before a volunteer enrolls in a phase one study,
they undergo a thorough screening process that determines if that individual is eligible for the
study or not. The screening process ensures that volunteers get the required information to make
an informed decision before they start research. This screening process is in line with my
Christian worldview that also seeks to ensure that no harm comes to anyone. Bodies like the
FDA and IRB abide by the golden rule as written in Mathew 7:12, "So in everything, do to others
what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets" (New
International Version). "In Exodus 2, midwives would not kill infant boys because they feared
God more than they feared Pharaoh" (Rieg et al., 2018). These nurses were guided by their
Christian worldview to do what was right. When I screen volunteers for a study, I ensure they
understand the risks involved. I always remind them that although some risks are expected
unknown adverse reaction could occur.
Sometimes, tension occurs when a study is in dire need of volunteers, and principal
investigators want to push enrollments by seeking to alter some of the inclusion and exclusion
criteria. It behooves on the principal investigator to stop a study when severe unexpected
reactions occur. During such situations, it takes the effort of nurses, nurse practitioners, doctors,
safety officers, sponsors, and, principal investigators to make the final decision. A safety review
is often a laboring process that is greatly affected by the different worldviews of all clinicians
involved. As a nurse, I am part of ensuring that my views regarding any safety issues are made
known. According to Shelly & Miller (2006), "holistic caring is made possible by the Christian
nurse's belief in God. As revealed in the Bible, who regards all human life as innately valuable."
One mustn't forget the heinous and unethical acts conducted by researchers during the Tuskegee
syphilis study and the Stanford prison experiment. These are some of the reason why research
nurses are mandated to take training in ethics and Good Clinical Practice (GCP) training without
fail. When we do our jobs well, we are sometimes able to see how our efforts can help save the
lives of people. I have several colleagues and patients who are not Christians. My daily goal is to
ensure that they see the love of Christ through their interactions with me. Some people will never
read the Bible or pray; however, my act of service can shine the light of Christ in their hearts.
Doing so can leave a lasting impression to allow the Holy Spirit to do his work of conviction in
their hearts.
References
Rieg, L. S., Newbanks, R. S., & Sprunger, R. (2018). Caring from a Christian Worldview:
Exploring Nurses' Source of Caring, Faith Practices, and View of Nursing. Journal of Christian
Nursing. 35(3), 168-173. DOI: 10.1097/CNJ.0000000000000474,
Shelly, J., Miller, A. (2006). Called to care: A Christian worldview for nursing. Downers Grove,
IL: InterVarsity
Hello Kelsey,
Excellent discussion on today’s topic of Christian worldview of nursing. My jaw almost dropped
to the floor when I read your account about the doctor asking you to tell a patient to get an
abortion based on their heart condition. I find it very disturbing that, the physician did not see
any errors in delegating this task to you. I believe that, it is the duty of the nurse to present to this
patient the risks involved in being pregnant and giving the patient the right to make their own
decision. I agree with you informing the physician about your stance, however, I do not think it
was ethical for the physician to avoid calling the patient to inform her of the situation. Maybe it
was having been a teaching moment for you to inform the physician of the possible right way to
present this information to the patient. I would love to hear more about this issue. I believe that
this is an ethical dilemma that unfortunately puts the life of the patient at risk. I applaud you for
remembering the patient and physician in prayers, however, I hope that this issue was taken up to
the ethical team especially if the patient never received her results at all. Our Christian
worldview can often become challenged in our places of work when the people we work with do
not understand certain decisions we make. Regardless of that, we still need to ensure that we
provide compassionate care that safeguards out patients. Afterall “For it is God which worketh in
you both to will and to do of his good pleasure” (Philippians 2:13, New International Version).
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