Faith Community Nursing: A Journey of Healing and Purpose
Published
Guest blogger shares her insight and experience within this deeply fulfilling specialty
By Rajitha Bommakanti, BSN, RN, FCN, NBC-HWC
Faith Community Nursing (FCN) is more than a specialty, it’s a calling. It weaves together the art of nursing with the power of faith, focusing on the spiritual dimension of health. Recognized by the American Nurses Association, FCNs provide holistic care through prayer, presence, and active listening, fostering healing beyond physical well-being (ANA & Health Ministries Association, 2012). Research shows that spiritual care enhances well-being and prevents burnout, reinforcing the need for self-care among nurses (Michael et al., 2024) . To truly serve others, nurses must nurture their own spirits first (Bożek et al., 2020).
Faith and health are deeply connected. Research indicates that spiritual care promotes well-being, alleviates stress, and improves coping mechanisms in patients facing chronic illness (Monay et al., 2010). By addressing emotional and spiritual needs, FCNs help reduce hospital readmissions, improve medication adherence, and foster resilience in those struggling with health challenges (Heitkam, 2019).
My Journey as a Faith Community Nurse
When Emory Saint Joseph’s Hospital (ESJH) launched its FCN program in 2017, it created a bridge between healthcare and faith communities (Emory news center, 2017). Over the past 24 months, FCNs at ESJH have provided health coaching to transform lives helping patients embrace healthier, more vibrant futures.
My work is deeply rooted in faith. I believe our bodies are sacred gifts, and caring for them is an act of gratitude. Healing isn’t just about medicine; it’s about aligning the mind, body, and spirit with the divine presence within us.
The Impact of Spiritual Care on Health Outcomes
Faith Community Nurses play a crucial role in improving patient health outcomes. By integrating spiritual care into healthcare, we help:
✅ Reduce Anxiety and Depression – Patients receiving spiritual support report lower stress levels, enhancing their overall mental well-being (Bożek et al., 2020).
✅ Enhance Chronic Disease Management – Spiritual encouragement fosters motivation to follow treatment plans, leading to better disease control (Heitkam, 2019).
✅ Promote Healing and Recovery – Studies show that prayer, meditation, and faith-based interventions can positively impact recovery rates (Monay et al., 2010).
✅ Strengthen Coping Skills – Patients facing terminal illness or life challenges find peace and acceptance through faith-based guidance (Bożek et al., 2020).
Healing Through Light and Service
We all carry a light within us one of joy, creativity, and wholeness. But to shine, we must be present and open to healing. As a Faith Community Nurse, my role is not to heal but to serve as a conduit for healing, much like the moon reflecting the sun’s light.
Life is about giving. The greatest fulfillment comes from seeing patients transform, knowing that faith and care can guide them toward better health. Yet not everyone is ready for the journey. Some patients step away, and I’ve learned to surrender those moments to God, trusting that healing happens in its own time.
A Prayer of Purpose
This work is made possible by the generosity of donors and the dedication of those who believe in faith-based healing. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve, knowing that my purpose is to bring light where it’s needed most. My prayer remains: Lord, use me.
We are all called to bring light into the lives of others. May we continue to serve with love, faith, and purpose.
Rajitha Bommakanti is a dedicated nursing professional committed to promoting nurses' health and well-being. Through evidence-based holistic coaching, she inspires and empowers individuals to confidently overcome challenges and reach their full potential. You can view Rajitha’s other blog: Staying Strong at the Bedside Beyond 50: Thriving through Menopause here.
References
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Faith Community Nursing (FCN) is more than a specialty, it’s a calling. It weaves together the art of nursing with the power of faith, focusing on the spiritual dimension of health. Recognized by the American Nurses Association, FCNs provide holistic care through prayer, presence, and active listening, fostering healing beyond physical well-being (ANA & Health Ministries Association, 2012). Research shows that spiritual care enhances well-being and prevents burnout, reinforcing the need for self-care among nurses (Michael et al., 2024) . To truly serve others, nurses must nurture their own spirits first (Bożek et al., 2020).
Faith and health are deeply connected. Research indicates that spiritual care promotes well-being, alleviates stress, and improves coping mechanisms in patients facing chronic illness (Monay et al., 2010). By addressing emotional and spiritual needs, FCNs help reduce hospital readmissions, improve medication adherence, and foster resilience in those struggling with health challenges (Heitkam, 2019).
My Journey as a Faith Community Nurse
When Emory Saint Joseph’s Hospital (ESJH) launched its FCN program in 2017, it created a bridge between healthcare and faith communities (Emory news center, 2017). Over the past 24 months, FCNs at ESJH have provided health coaching to transform lives helping patients embrace healthier, more vibrant futures.
My work is deeply rooted in faith. I believe our bodies are sacred gifts, and caring for them is an act of gratitude. Healing isn’t just about medicine; it’s about aligning the mind, body, and spirit with the divine presence within us.
The Impact of Spiritual Care on Health Outcomes
Faith Community Nurses play a crucial role in improving patient health outcomes. By integrating spiritual care into healthcare, we help:
✅ Reduce Anxiety and Depression – Patients receiving spiritual support report lower stress levels, enhancing their overall mental well-being (Bożek et al., 2020).
✅ Enhance Chronic Disease Management – Spiritual encouragement fosters motivation to follow treatment plans, leading to better disease control (Heitkam, 2019).
✅ Promote Healing and Recovery – Studies show that prayer, meditation, and faith-based interventions can positively impact recovery rates (Monay et al., 2010).
✅ Strengthen Coping Skills – Patients facing terminal illness or life challenges find peace and acceptance through faith-based guidance (Bożek et al., 2020).
Healing Through Light and Service
We all carry a light within us one of joy, creativity, and wholeness. But to shine, we must be present and open to healing. As a Faith Community Nurse, my role is not to heal but to serve as a conduit for healing, much like the moon reflecting the sun’s light.
Life is about giving. The greatest fulfillment comes from seeing patients transform, knowing that faith and care can guide them toward better health. Yet not everyone is ready for the journey. Some patients step away, and I’ve learned to surrender those moments to God, trusting that healing happens in its own time.
A Prayer of Purpose
This work is made possible by the generosity of donors and the dedication of those who believe in faith-based healing. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve, knowing that my purpose is to bring light where it’s needed most. My prayer remains: Lord, use me.
We are all called to bring light into the lives of others. May we continue to serve with love, faith, and purpose.
Rajitha Bommakanti is a dedicated nursing professional committed to promoting nurses' health and well-being. Through evidence-based holistic coaching, she inspires and empowers individuals to confidently overcome challenges and reach their full potential. You can view Rajitha’s other blog: Staying Strong at the Bedside Beyond 50: Thriving through Menopause here.
References
- American Nurses Association & Health Ministries Association (2012). Faith community nursing: Scope and standards of practice. (2nd edition). American Nurses Association.
- Bożek, A., Nowak, P. F., & Blukacz, M. (2020). The Relationship Between Spirituality, Health-Related Behavior, and Psychological Well-Being. Frontiers in psychology, 11, 1997. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2020.01997
- Emory news center (2017). Emory Saint Joseph’s Launches Faith Community Nursing Program. https://news.emory.edu/stories/2017/05/saint_josephs_faith_community_nursing/
- Heitkam R. (2019). Reducing hospital readmissions through faith community nursing. Nursing management, 50(8), 26–30. https://doi.org/10.1097/01.NUMA.0000575312.8404dc
- Michael, K., Schujovitzky, D., & Karnieli-Miller, O. (2024). The associations between resilience, self-care, and burnout among medical students. PloS one, 19(9), e0309994. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0309994
- Monay, V., Mangione, C. M., Sorrell-Thompson, A., & Baig, A. A. (2010). Services delivered by faith-community nurses to individuals with elevated blood pressure. Public health nursing (Boston, Mass.), 27(6), 537–543. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1525-1442010.00881.x
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04/16/2025 11:17am CDT
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