by Scott Long, M.S., RN, AGACNP-BC, CCRN
Critical care is a job that I have felt called to since day one of nursing school, and I have since expanded my skills to an Acute Care Nurse Practitioner in the Intensive Care Unit. I have felt blessed and honored to provide comfort to patients and their families. This is a stressful job that can be rewarding, but also leave you walking out of work crying alone or in a coworker’s arm. This pandemic can add even more to stress, anxiety, and even burnout, but that is where we need a strong support system of people we can confide in, but ultimately, we can get so tied up with our professional occupation and keeping up on the most up-to-date information that we lose time with God. Now more than ever we need to spend time in God’s Word and in prayer to provide us with spiritual and mental strength through life’s storms personally and professionally.
Over the last month, we have watched COVID-19 grow to a pandemic. It’s no longer business as usual all over the world, in every sector, including the church. We are in disaster response status. As Christian health workers, what should our perspective and response be at this time?
Our Perspective
Our identity is on the table.
We are not just healthcare workers, but Christian health workers. We are invited and have an opportunity to be what only people who know Christ can be in this response. This opportunity affords us to live out our faith and serve from our identity in Christ. It’s amazing that during a time like this, we are able to live and serve as children of the King much more straightforwardly, confident that He is still on the throne. Our hope makes us stand tall; it does not put us to shame. Our hope in this pandemic is once again pegged on our God. He will not destroy; we can echo that hope in the midst of every situation as it unfolds. We can have courage as fear, panic, and anxiety rise, we will be different. The Lord is with us; we will not be dismayed. He will strengthen us when we begin to fear. His outstretched hand is victorious. Let’s take hold of it.
God watches over us.
Has he not assured us He is our refuge and our fortress, and we can trust him? Surely, He will save you from the snare and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; His faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. We can trust Him. And even if He invites us into a pit, even there He will be with us.
Luke 9:2 NKJV, comes to mind. In this context, Jesus is sending out His disciples. It says, “and He sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God, and to heal the sick.” God is giving us the opportunity to bring healing physically and, more importantly, spiritually. We are the people God is going to use to halt this. His people, who are called by His name, humbling ourselves and praying and seeking His face and turning from any wrongdoing. We are the aroma of Christ to all who are affected, directly or indirectly. To one a fragrance from death to death, to the other a fragrance from life to life. Who is sufficient for these things? As men of sincerity, as commissioned by God, in the sight of God we speak in Christ. We are His aroma in this pandemic.
We cannot rely on our own ability.
It could well be that this has happened so that we might not rely on ourselves, but on God during this time. On Him we have to set our hope that He will continue to deliver us and those we serve. His love abides, to the end; nothing will separate us from His love. No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. Nothing in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. We can’t share the Good News during this COVID-19 pandemic without being present. Caring for those fearful about or suffering from this virus from afar for us is not an option.
Our Response
May we be a shining light to the nations.
May those we serve see His glory shine through us. May we bring a word of hope to one and to all. Let His mercy flow through us that the nations may be healed through the power of Christ. May we display his uncompromised righteousness in this season, as we fulfill our role.
Yes, we will stand.
Does it feel like war? It may feel like physical and spiritual warfare, but as Christian healthcare workers, we will stand through the fear as soldiers of the cross marching with Him. His banner of love will be lifted by us. May He lead the procession of Christian health workers and may we be among that number. Until this has passed, He can count on us. We will stand by His passion and zeal. As duty calls, we will not be found wanting. We sign in, ready to serve.
The end is around the corner.
The finish line is just ahead. What is this finish line? Is this our opportunity to finally reach all people with the Gospel to fulfill the great commission or just an opportunity to be a part of a great revival that brings about a great awakening with people and countries turning back to God? Whatever the finish line may be, we must continue to run and not be weary. We will walk and not faint. Though the night tarries, but joy comes in the morning. Soon, we will look back and give thanks. Until then, we will continue fight a good fight for those patients we were called to serve, through Jesus Christ.
Scott Long, M.S., RN, AGACNP-BC, CCRN received his Master of Science in Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner from Wright State University College of Nursing and Health in 2017 and his Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Ohio University School of Nursing in 2004. Scott has been a critical care nurse caring for trauma and cardiothoracic surgery patients before pursuing a career as a critical care flight nurse for eight years. Since 2017, Scott has served as a Critical Care Nurse Practitioner in a Level 1 trauma center in the Columbus area and most recently in the ICU with Kettering Health Network. In 2018, Scott join Cedarville University’s School of Nursing as an adjunct professor and is currently serving as Assistant Professor of Nursing, teaching in the B.S.N. Pharmacology and Complex Care courses.
Posted in: Service