Purpose in the Profession
It is a privilege to share how God has worked through my life and nursing journey. When I reflect on the theme, “Purpose in the Profession,” I am reminded that our profession is not defined only by what we do—it is also shaped by whom we serve.
A Calling Planted Early
Looking back, I can clearly see God’s hand guiding me toward nursing.
One of my earliest inspirations was Florence Nightingale. As a young girl, I was deeply moved by her willingness to leave the comforts of home to care for wounded soldiers during the Crimean War. Her compassion, courage, and selfless service made a lasting impression on me. I remember thinking, I want to make a difference in people’s lives like that.
Another important influence came when I was in the fifth grade. I grew up in Vellore, India, where Christian Medical College is located. My mother often pointed out the doctors and nurses from the hospital who attended our church. She spoke admiringly of their dedication, compassion, and commitment to serving others.
Seeing these healthcare professionals worship alongside us helped me understand that nursing could be more than a career—it could be a ministry. Those early experiences planted a seed in my heart that continued to grow.
As I pursued my education and began my professional journey, I became increasingly convinced that God was calling me into healthcare. My nursing career has taken me from the bedside to leadership, nursing education, and advanced practice. Each role has given me valuable experiences and countless opportunities to serve people during some of the most vulnerable moments of their lives.
Bringing Hope to Patients
As a Family Nurse Practitioner working in oncology and hematology, I often meet patients during one of the most difficult seasons of their lives. Many are facing a new cancer diagnosis and feel overwhelmed by fear, uncertainty, and the prospect of beginning chemotherapy.
After explaining the diagnosis, reviewing the treatment plan, and educating patients about what to expect, I often sense that what they need most is hope.
When patients express faith or indicate that they are open to spiritual encouragement, I gently remind them that they do not have to face their journey alone. God will walk with them every step of the way.
Sometimes I share a Bible promise that has comforted many people:
“Fear not, for I am with you;
Be not dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you,
Yes, I will help you.”
—Isaiah 41:10, NKJV
On occasion, I have prayed with patients before they leave the clinic or given them a small bookmark containing a Bible promise. Although I cannot always change a patient’s diagnosis, I can help that person leave knowing they are loved, supported, and not alone.
These sacred moments remind me that caring for the whole person means attending not only to physical needs but also to emotional and spiritual well-being.
Inspiring the Next Generation
God has also given me the privilege of ministering through nursing education. Over the years, I have taught numerous students in many different nursing courses, and I have tried to help them recognize both the beauty and the responsibility of the nursing profession.
One experience that has remained with me involved a former nursing student who contacted me several years after graduating. She shared that I had inspired her not only to complete nursing school but also to become a dynamic leader.
Today, she supervises several residential care homes for children, helping to provide safe and compassionate care for vulnerable young people. She told me that her dream is to establish additional homes so that she can serve even more children in need. She thanked me for encouraging her to believe that she could make a meaningful difference.
As I listened to her story, I was overwhelmed with gratitude—not because of anything I had accomplished, but because God had allowed me to play a small part in preparing someone who is now touching many other lives.
Her story reminded me that we may never fully know how far one encouraging word, one lesson, or one act of kindness will reach. The influence of a nurse educator extends beyond the classroom through every patient, family, and community our students will eventually serve.
Every Workplace Is a Mission Field
These experiences have taught me that our profession is much more than a job. Whether we are caring for patients, teaching students, leading healthcare teams, encouraging coworkers, or simply listening to someone in pain, God can use us as His hands, His voice, and instruments of His healing grace.
My prayer each day is simple:
“Lord, let someone see You through me today.”
As Christian nurses, we do not need a pulpit to minister. Every workplace can become a mission field, and every patient, student, family member, and colleague is someone whom God deeply loves.
Our ministry may be expressed through clinical excellence, a compassionate touch, patient advocacy, careful listening, an encouraging word, or a quiet prayer. Even actions that appear small can communicate dignity, hope, and the love of Christ.
May each of us recognize God’s purpose in our profession and faithfully serve wherever He has placed us. May our knowledge bring healing, our words offer hope, and our lives reflect the compassion of Christ on the frontlines of healthcare.
“Whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men.”
—Colossians 3:23, NKJV
Helen Wilson, DNP, MSN, APRN, CRNP, CNE
President, ANIA
