Vital aid for those who care
It is often said that Australians are a spiritual people but are not interested in institutionalised religion.
Christian nurses and healthcare workers therefore have a role to be where people are, especially in the critical times of their lives, to help answer the question, ‘Where is God in this encounter?’.
Working in healthcare is bitter sweet. It can be a challenge when giving care outside of your comfort zone, dealing with crisis and trauma, but it is also a privilege being able to comfort those suffering.
Christian nurses and healthcare workers are in a privileged position to help make the troubles of those in their care easier to bear.
The Lutheran Nurses Association of Australia (LNAA) is a reminder that ‘you can do all things through Christ who gives you strength’. This year marks 25 years since the formation of the LNAA, which was born from the idea that Lutheran nurses, just like Lutheran teachers, needed a formal association with the church, as well as a supporting body. In particular, it was founded because student and novice nurses needed guidance with ethical issues and would benefit from having older Christian nurses as mentors.
Many people are fearful about the future. We are so electronically connected to catastrophic events happening throughout the world that, at any one time, it can feel as though we are in the middle of these circumstances. When we become anxious about things we can dwell on them, making them bigger and scarier than they really are. This catastrophic thinking can make us feel despondent, distressed and helpless. These weighty feelings can be experienced by anyone, patients and carers alike.
Christian nurses and healthcare workers are in a privileged position to help make the troubles of those in their care easier to bear. They can make a real difference helping them transform their lives. And if these workers are weighed down themselves, then the LNAA is here to support and refresh them. Our aim for the future is to remain relevant as a unique organisation set up to be a support for Christian nurses and healthcare workers through the power of our Lord Jesus.
About Lutheran Nurses Association of Australia
Since its inception 25 years ago, LNAA has held bi-monthly meetings in North Adelaide South Australia, featuring a guest speaker on health-related topics. Continuous Professional Development evidence is provided to workers on these. LNAA has also organised forums on ethical issues and seminars in other areas. The IN TOUCH newsletter is sent to members before each meeting keeping those who are unable to attend informed. The LNAA is also the LCA’s support body for the valuable ministry of parish/pastoral care nursing in the church.
Contact LNAA’s President Sylvia Hutt:
e: lnaa@lca.org.au
p: 0417 854 873
or see the LNAA Facebook page here.
Sylvia Hutt is President of Lutheran Nurses Association of Australia (LNAA).
This feature story comes from The Lutheran November 2016. Visit the website to find out more about The Lutheran or to subscribe.
